Effiong Udousoroh, Uyo

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has approved the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge for the state. He is Justice Stephen Okon.

The governor who proclaimed the confirmation on Friday in his address at the Uyo sports stadium, to mark the 2015 Workers Day celebration, said “the appointment takes immediate effect.”

The appointment follows the retirement of the State Chief Judge, Justice Idongesit Ntem Isua, on Thursday, April 30, 2015, from the state judiciary service, after successful completion of her tenure.

Gov. Akpabio, who has been elected as a Senator, to represent Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in the Senate, and whose 2015 Workers Day celebration, is his last as an executive governor of the state, attributed his administration’s achievements, under his uncommon transformation programme, to the Akwa Ibom “workers co-operation, commitments and dedication to duty.”

He enjoined them to extend “the same show of solidarity, co-operation and support” to the incoming administration of Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel “to consolidate on the uncommon transformation achievements.”

News Express reports that the 2015 May Day celebration, was equally attended by the Deputy Governor, Lady Valerie Ebe, Governor-elect, Deacon Udom Emmanuel and wife, Martha, his deputy Mr. Moses Ekpo and Wife of the governor, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon, who is also going to the House of Representatives for Etinan Federal Constituency, Secretary to the State Government, Engr. Nkereuwem Ekanem, Head of the State Civil Service, Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien, Commissioners, as well as the Labour leaders, also graced the colourful occasion, among others.

The Governor-elect, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, expressed his appreciation to the workers, for identifying themselves with “the Divine Mandate,” re-emphasising that his administration would put smiles on their faces.

•Photo shows Akpabio