The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has sworn in 16 newly appointed notaries public, marking a significant step in the implementation of the Notaries Public Act, 2023 at the state level.
The lawyers, recommended by Justice Obot and approved by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, took their oaths during a ceremony in Uyo.
Addressing them after administering the statutory oath, the chief judge underscored the weight of their new responsibilities and the central role notaries play in safeguarding the integrity of legal documents.
Justice Obot urged the newly appointed notaries to carry out their duties with transparency and fidelity, particularly when preparing contracts and legal instruments.
“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 said.
She further warned them against validating any act, contract, or document tainted by fraud or coercion, stressing the need for uprightness and strict adherence to the oath they had taken.
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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 from the ceremony.
Justice Obot noted that the appointments are not mere administrative formalities but part of ongoing judicial reforms aimed at strengthening public trust.
She reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to combating fraud and maintaining the highest standards of probity in the preparation and certification of legal documents.
A notary public is a government-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness to important transactions, helping ensure the authenticity and integrity of documents within the legal system.
