The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has formally sworn in sixteen newly appointed Notaries Public.
The appointments followed recommendations by Justice Obot and subsequent approval by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Speaking shortly after administering the oath prescribed in the Notaries Public Act 2023, Justice Obot reminded the appointees of the significant responsibility attached to their new roles.
She urged them to carry out their duties with integrity and ensure that contracts and other legal instruments are prepared with transparency.
Obot said, “I charge you to exercise your duties faithfully, prepare contracts and instruments transparently, and refrain from diminishing any aspect of such documents without the knowledge and consent of the parties involved.”
She also warned them against endorsing any act, contract, or instrument associated with fraud or violence, stressing the need to uphold the oath they had taken and maintain justice in all dealings.
Obot said, “I charge you to exercise your duties faithfully, prepare contracts and instruments transparently, and refrain from diminishing any aspect of such documents without the knowledge and consent of the parties involved.”
She cautioned them against attesting to any act, contract, or instrument tainted by fraud or violence, emphasising that they must always act uprightly and justly in accordance with the oath they had taken.
Those sworn in include: Iniobong Udo Uko Esq, Vivian Ijeoma Uzoma Esq, Benjamin Emmanuel Adams Esq, Emmanuel Amos Umana Esq, Ime Aquaowa Essien Esq, Edieke Paul Jumbo Esq, Isaac Tsado Oshoriame Ephraim Esq, and Samuel Akpadiagha Etuk Esq.
Others are Ndifreke Peter Udoh Esq, Akan Obotowo Esq, Sembenge Nse Ekanem Esq, Nsima Ndifreke Akpan Esq, Ifueko Ebi Ikinmwin Esq, Rotimi Omoniyi Oniyesan Esq, Ubong Edem Offiong Esq, and Lazarus Daniel Aniezi Esq. Marcellinus Marshal Udokang Esq was absent.
The swearing-in of the sixteen lawyers marks a practical step in implementing the newly reformed Notaries Public Act 2023 within the state.
The Chief Judge used the event to reaffirm the judiciary’s resolve to combat fraud and ensure that legal instruments in the state uphold the highest standards of integrity.
A Notary Public is an official appointed by the government, such as a state authority or high court, to serve as an impartial witness and safeguard the authenticity of important documents and transactions.
