OMOKRI JCA (Delivering the Lead Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the learned Chicf Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Effiong D. U. Idiong, sitting at the High Court of Justice, Uyo in suit No. HU/18/1991 delivered on 3 July 2006, wherein, he dismissed the claims of the appellant.
The brief facts of the case are that sometimes in 1991, the Governor set up a panel on omitted villages in Akwa Ibom State: The panel is to conduct physical inspection of alleged omitted villages with a view to ascertaining their traditional status, making use of available lands. To review cases of villages already inspected by an earlier task force, where no decision was reached because of controversy and to make definite recommendation on suchcases.
To re-examine, based on existing report, the cases of villages already inspected with a view to confirm the authenticity or otherwise of such reports.
To ascertain the proper names (designation) of such villages to avoid any ambiguity. Th…