The Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, has revealed the distinct qualities that stood Magistrate Affiong Usimkah out for selection as the substantive Chief Registrar of the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary.
Justice Fabian-Obot made the revelation on Friday, December 27, during the swearing-in ceremony, of the newly appointed Chief Registrar, expressing gratitude for the successful selection process.
She commended the newly appointed Chief Registrar’s humility, grace, and potential for hard work, saying these qualities were her qualifying factors, apart from her brilliance and dexterity.
“A lot of people displayed dexterity and brilliance, during the interview process,” Justice Fabian-Obot said, adding that, “In her, I found humility, grace, and the possibility of being a hardworking Chief Registrar.”
She charged Mrs. Usimkah to carryout her duties diligently, without fear or favour, and to consult her predecessor, now a High Court Judge, whenever necessary.
“As you step into this role, I expect you to perform your duties diligently and report any administrative issues directly to me. Seek advice from Winifred Umohandi; she knows me well, and we had a very good working relationship.
“I expect that to continue with you. Avoid unnecessary gossip, but keep your ears to the ground and remain cautious.”
The Chief Judge also praised the outgoing Chief Registrar, now Justice Winifred Umohandi, for her excellent service and expressed hope that Mrs. Usimkah would sustain the momentum.
Until her recent appointment as the Chief Registrar of Akwa Ibom State Judiciary, Mrs Affiong Victor Usimkah was the immediate past presiding Chief Magistrate at the Chief Magistrate Court, Abak.
Her appointment follows a rigorous interview process conducted by the State Judicial Service Commission to fill the vacancy left by Chief Magistrate Winifred Umohandi, who was recently elevated to the position of Judge at the Akwa Ibom State High Court.
Born on December 9, 1979, Chief Magistrate Affiong Usimkah hails from Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State.
She completed her primary education at Presbyterian Primary School and her secondary education at Federal Government Girls College, Calabar, Cross River State.
In 1998, she gained admission to the University of Uyo to study law, graduating in 2004. She was called to the Bar in 2005 and completed her NYSC in Katsina State.
Usimkah began her legal career at Samuel Ikpo & Co. and was appointed a Magistrate in 2011.
She rose steadily through the ranks to become a Chief Magistrate. In 2019, she earned a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Calabar.
On December 23, 2024, she was appointed Chief Registrar of the High Courts of Akwa Ibom State.
Beyond her professional achievements, Chief Magistrate Usimkah is a pastor with Destiny Mission Global Assembly.
She is married to Mr. Victor Usimkah, and the couple is blessed with three beautiful daughters.
