Lawyer Accuses Akwa Ibom Chief Judge Of Bias, Asks Her To Step Down From Suit Involving Governor Emmanuel

A lawyer, Leo Ekpenyong has accused Ekaete Obot, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State of being biased in her treatment of a libel suit filed against him by the state governor, Udom Emmanuel.

Udom Emmanuel had sued Ekpenyong for defamation of character over a publication in which he accused the governor of “buying judgment” from the 2019 National Assembly Election Tribunal.

In a motion on notice filed by Ekpenyong’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, he asked Justice Obot to reassign the case to a neutral judge.

He accused the Chief Justice of impunity, bias and violation of the code of conduct.

“AN ORDER of the Honourable Court for this Court (CORAM: HON. JUSTICE EKAETTE FF OBOT) to disqualify and release herself from further hearing and or presiding over the proceedings of this case, that is suit no: HU/279/2019 between DEACON EMMANUEL GABRIEL UDOM VS LEO EKPENYONG, ESQ on grounds of fair hearing, particularly for bias,” the court document read.

“AN ORDER of this Honorable Court reassigning this case, that is suit no: HU/279/2019 between DEACON EMMANUEL GABRIEL UDOM VS LEO EKPENYONG, ESQ to another Judge of the Akwa Ibom State High Court to be heard de novo.”

Justice Obot in 2021 lashed out at the defence lawyer, Effiong who said the court had breached the Nigerian Constitution in its December 15, 2020 judgment against his client, Leo Ekpenyong.

The court on December 15, 2020, ordered the defendant to pay N1.5 billion to the governor as general damages for libel.

Effiong however challenged the judgement and one other involving a former senator, Effiong Bob and successfully persuaded the court to set them aside.

“You don’t stand before me and talk nonsense,” Justice Obot in December 2021 told the human rights lawyer.

“I’ve been on this side of the law for over 30 years and you don’t come and teach me the law from there.”

Effiong who urged the court to give priority to his application for extension of time had cited the Supreme Court’s position on the matter, “Notwithstanding that preliminary objection is on jurisdiction, provided there is an application before the court for extension of time that application must be taken first”.

Refusing Effiong’s application, the judge had said, “Preliminary objections are taken first in every proceeding, especially when it touches on jurisdiction. If you have replied to that objection, why are you afraid?

“Is anything the matter with you? This is the court of law and things are done according to rules here. Sentiments do not overrule that.

“You are not on Channels Television, neither are you on Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Television.”