FIVE(5) MILLION MONENARY JURISDICTION OF SMALL CLAIMS COURT IN AKWA IBOM STATE, A CLOG ON ITS ESSENCE: A CALL FOR QUICK REVIEW By ~ Meti M. Ukpeh, Esq. Uyo-based Human Rights Lawyer INTRODUCTION There is absolutely no doubt that Akwa ibom State, being one of the fastest rising States economically in Nigeria, has joined states like Lagos State to bring efficient and effective justice administration to the people through the establishment of Small Claims Court in the state. However, as lofty and welcoming this idea is, the pegging of the monetary threshold calls for concern as this work will unveil with recommendations made herein It is pertinent to reiterate that Small Claims Court in Nigeria, usually a division created under the Magistrates' court, was designed to provide a simplified and cost-effective way for individuals and small businesses to resolve minor civil disputes, especially debt recovery claims. These courts handle cases involving small monetary claims, typically bel