Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has sworn into office the new Chief Judge of the State. He is Hon. Justice Stephen Okon.

Administering the Oath of Office at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, the Governor charged Justice Okon to demonstrate a high sense of professionalism as he leads the state’s judiciary.

The Governor described the State Chief Judge as a committed public servant who has grown in rank in the legal profession to the present status and wished him well in his endeavours.

He noted with delight the harmonious relationship existing between the executive and other arms of government. Mr. Emmanuel charged the judiciary not to compromise justice and fairness in the discharge of it duties, pledging to make the welfare of Akwa Ibom citizens the focus of his administration.

Speaking with Government House correspondents shortly after his swearing-in, Justice Okon said that he would harness his wealth of experience in the dispensation of justice in the state and solicited for proper funding to enable the judiciary live up to its responsibilities.

The sixth State Chief Judge since the creation of Akwa Ibom, Justice Stephen Okon was born in 1952. A native of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, he attended St. Peter’s Primary School, Mbierebe Obio, and later attended Exams Success Correspondence College, Yaba Lagos, and the University of Lagos, before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, in 1979.

He has been engaged in private legal practice until 1998 when he was appointed High Court Judge. He was the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Uyo branch from 1994 to 1996 and has held key positions as a reputable legal practitioner until his appointment as Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State.

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