UYO, Nigeria – September 16, 2025
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, has inaugurated a six-member committee to review and update the rules of the state’s Judicial Service Commission.
The announcement was made on Monday during the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year at the Judiciary Multi-purpose Hall in Uyo. Justice Fabian-Obot said the reform aligns with directives for state judiciaries to adopt model regulations of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, adapting them to local needs. She cited Anambra, Lagos, Osun and Rivers states as examples that have already updated their rules.
The newly constituted committee is chaired by the Chief Judge, with members including the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Uko Udom (SAN); Imowo Okpokpo; Dr. Emmanuel Akpan; Christopher Emmanuel; and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Enefiok Essien, who will serve as secretary.
Justice Fabian-Obot also recalled the July 9–11, 2025 conference of Judicial Service Commission secretaries in Lagos, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, where the need for updated state rules was emphasized.
She further disclosed that the state judiciary has resolved its funding challenges and settled outstanding debts, crediting Governor Umo Eno’s intervention for stabilizing the system.