RismadarVoice Reporters
November 3, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for the immediate activation of the state’s Customary Court of Appeal, urging relevant authorities to conclude the appointment of its substantive President and commence judicial operations.
The resolution followed a motion presented during Tuesday’s plenary by the member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Eric Akpan, at the Assembly complex in Uyo.
Akpan expressed concern that the court had remained non-operational despite the enactment of its enabling law in 2012 and the provision of infrastructure intended to support its activities.
He argued that the prolonged delay had created a gap in the administration of justice, particularly in handling appeals involving customary law.
Citing Sections 280 to 284 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the lawmaker explained that state Customary Courts of Appeal are constitutionally recognised institutions.
He noted that Section 282 provides for appellate and supervisory jurisdiction in civil proceedings involving questions of customary law.
Akpan identified facilities in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Etinan and Northern Ibesikpo, expressing concern that continued non-utilisation represented a waste of public resources.
He also recalled the reported appointment of Dr Imaobong Okokon Essien as Chief Registrar in February 2025, maintaining that the absence of a substantive President remained a major obstacle to the court’s operation.
The motion, seconded by Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, representing Etinan State Constituency, urged Governor Umo Eno to initiate the constitutional appointment process, involving the National Judicial Council and legislative confirmation.
The Assembly further called on the state judiciary to take necessary administrative steps towards commencing regular sittings and exercising the court’s statutory functions.
Lawmakers demanded the preservation of existing facilities and an account of public funds appropriated and released for establishing and operationalising the court.
The House mandated its Committee on Judiciary, Justice and Human Rights Petitions to engage relevant authorities and report on progress within 30 days.
Speaker Udeme Otong subsequently directed the Clerk, Mrs Nsikakabasi Orok, to communicate the resolutions to the appropriate authorities.
The demand follows earlier calls by legal practitioners for the court’s activation to strengthen access to justice and the development of customary law in Akwa Ibom State.
In another development, the Assembly held a valedictory session in honour of the late Hon. Asuquo Eyo Utin, a former Minority Leader who served in the state’s First Assembly in 1992.
