Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, Wednesday, charged the acting Chief Judge to foster unity, love and cooperation in the Judiciary to enhance the progress of the state.
Emmanuel gave the charge while administering the Oath of office and Allegiance to the acting Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette Obot at the Exco Chambers Government House Uyo,
The Governor who congratulated the acting Chief Judge on her appointment said her emergence was based on merit.
He thanked the out-gone Chief Judge, Justice Godwin Abraham for rendering meritorious service to the state.
His words, “Let me on behalf of Akwa Ibom State Government congratulate our newly sworn-in acting Chief Judge, Her Lordship Justice Ekaette Francesca Obot, you can see how transparent things run here, the selection is purely on merit, and also your professional accomplishment and every other process you have executed in the cause of the discharge of your duties over time.
”I also want to use this opportunity to thank the immediate outgone Chief Judge that just bowed out yesterday Justice Godwin Abraham, he has done well in his capacity, has served the state and mankind, we will leave our doors open for his contributions”, he stated.
The Governor expressed optimism that Justice Obot will surpass the record of her predecessors, while stirring the ship of leadership of the Judiciary to greater heights, he re-emphasized on cooperation with other arms of government and unity for the progress of the state.
“I just don’t have any doubt that as she is coming she will do her very best, i also want to charge the acting Chief Judge that as a lady i want to believe the Judiciary will see a new level of unity, a lot of love, oneness and you will discharge justice to the best God wants it to be.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the State pledged to support the Judiciary and extend a cordial relationship to the arm in government, and appealed for speedy dispensation of justice.
“I have never interfered with another arm of government, rather we collaborate and work together. I don’t have any doubt we will collaborate with you. I will never ask you to do injustice to anybody and I want to appreciate the fact that as we move towards building a better society, you will help me to dispense justice faster than what we have now. Be assured that we will work together where we can assist we will do that.”
He, however, called on the National Judicial Council to expedite the process of confirmation of the Chief Judge of the State.
Justice Ekaette Francesca Fabian-Obot who was born on January 7, 1963 in Lagos State hails from Nnung Oku Ekanem, in ONNA Local Government Area.
She attended Township School Port Harcourt, Rivers 1969-1971; Lagos Premier Day School, Surulere, Lagos State from 1972 to 1974; Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos 1974-1979 and Methodist Girls High School Yaba, Lagos State between 1979 and 1980.
Later, Ekaette attended University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife) from 1980 to 1984.
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, she was appointed Magistrate in May 1988.
The acting Chjief Judge was appointed Judge of the High Court June 13, 2000, served in Governorship, National and state Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal in Imo, Borno, Edo, Anambra and Plateau States.
