A lawyer, Alexander Asuquo has dragged senator Bassey Albert to court over alleged attempt to inherit the Young Progressives Party ticket from the Pastor Nyenime Andy.

The lawyer is joining the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Pastor Nyenime Andy, Senator Bassey Albert and the Independent National Electoral Commission, as defendants.

The plaintiff is seeking judicial answers to questions bordering on whether the state chairman of the party can validly use is position as the chairman of the party to preserve and reserve the gubernatorial ticket of the party to Sen. Bassey Albert (3rd Defendant) who was already nominated under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The originating process had been served on the 1st and 4th Defendants (I.e YPP and INEC).

The 2nd and 3rd Defendants (Dr. Andy and Sen Albert) are allegedly evading service.

The application before the court is for them to be served by substituted means.

…more details shortly

The federal high court sitting in Uyo has dismissed an application by a governorship aspirant in the May 25, 2022 PDP primaries, describing it as lacking merit.

Justice Agatha Okeke in her ruling yielded to the submissions of the plaintiffs and the 1st and 2nd defendants to dismiss the application.

The court described Mr Akan Etim as a meddlesome interloper and a 'busybody'.
In the suit FHC/UY/CS/110/2022 Mr Etim Aniekan Akan, one of the defeated aspirants in the PDP Governorship primaries, sought the Court’s leave to be joined as a party in the suit.

The Defence Counsel for the 1st and 2nd Defendants, Paul Usoro,SAN citing relevant judicial authorities had said the only grounds on which a party can be joined in a suit is where their participation will aid the administration of Justice, and where such party’s interests are tied to the interests of the defendants.

Paul Usoro said where the party sought to be joined is seeking the cancellation of the primaries and disqualification of the registered parties, there is no connection between such interests and that of the plaintiffs and the defendants and urged the court to dismiss the application.

The 1st and 2nd defendants reasoned that a necessary party is a party without whose presence the case cannot be completely or effectively determined.

They reasoned further that one can also be joined in a case if the plaintiff had made a case or seeks reliefs that pertain affect that party.

Similarly, the counsel to the plaintiff, Uche Awa,SAN, also opposed to the application by Mr Etim Akan, seeking being joined in the case describing it as abuse of court process.

Mr Etim Akan had pleaded that having bought the forms from the 1st Defendant, and having participated and secured some votes at the primaries, he deserved to be a part of the case.

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Akwa Ibom State Branch has elected Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Sir Charles Udoh as its new Chairman

Sir Udoh was elected alongside seven others to pilot the affairs of the branch on Thursday July 29,2022 during the Institute’s 2022 Annual General Meeting/Elections held in the Conference Room of the Central Bank of Nigeria Uyo, Akwa Ibom state

Charles Udoh took over from his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpe Michael whose tenure ends yesterday Thursday July 28,2022

While administering the oath of office to the new Chairman, Mrs. Chinenye Onwuka Zonal Coordinator, CIBN South South Zone charged the new leadership to exhibit high professional conduct in discharging their duties. she thanked members for the hitch -free election which produced the new Executives

In his acceptance speech, Sir Udoh extols the contribution of his predecessor in piloting the affairs of institute. He also thanked members for earning their trust and confidence to lead the branch of the institute and pledged together with his Exco members to promote the ideals of the institute at all time in order to move it to greater heights

‘’ I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been elected as the chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Institute’’. ‘’ I have made a commitment to take the responsibility out of passion and conviction to move the institute to attain greater heights’’

He revealed that his immediate task will be to grow the membership strength of the institute and create more awareness

Sir Udoh who is also the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Akwa Ibom has banking experience that spans over 30 years.


The outgoing chairman of the branch, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpe Michael while presenting his annual report thanked members, the national body and other stakeholders for the support given him during his tenure. He enjoined members to extend more hands of fellowship and join hands with the Charles Udoh led Executive to move the institute forward

Other members of the executive includes: Mr. Imoowo Ekanem- First Vice Chairman, Ms. Itoro Patrick Sambo,- 2nd Vice Chairman Mr. Emmanuel Olatunji Ojo -General Secretary,Mr. Wisdom Abraham- 1st Assistant Secretary, Mr. Echeta Julian Oluchikwu- Financial Secretary,Mrs. Udeme Okop- Treasurer, Mr. Paul Omojola Oladosu- Auditor

A Federal High Court in Uyo will resume sitting this Friday in the case between a defeated aspirant Akan Ekpe Okon, and the Peoples Democratic Party, Pastor Umo Eno and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

When the suit FHC/UY/CS/110/2022 came up last Thursday for hearing, Mr Etim Aniekan Akan, one of the defeated aspirants in the PDP Governorship primaries, sought the Court’s leave to be joined as a party in the suit.

The session on Friday is expected to decide if Mr. Etim Aniekan Akan can be joined on the case or not.

During the last sitting last week, defence Counsel for the 1st and 2nd Defendants, Paul Usoro,SAN citing relevant judicial authorities had said the only grounds on which a party can be joined in a suit is where their participation will aid the administration of Justice, and where such party’s interests are tied to the interests of the defendants.

Paul Usoro said where the party sought to be joined is seeking the cancellation of the primaries and disqualification of the registered parties, there is no connection between such interests and that of the plaintiffs and the defendants and urged the court to dismiss the application.

The 1st and 2nd defendants reasoned that a necessary party is a party without whose presence the case cannot be completely or effectively determined.

They reasoned further that one can also be joined in a case if the plaintiff had made a case or seeks reliefs that pertain affect that party.

Similarly, the counsel to the plaintiff, Uche Awa,SAN, also opposed to the application by Mr Etim Akan, seeking being joined in the case describing it as abuse of court process.

Mr Etim Akan had pleaded that having bought the forms from the 1st Defendant, and having participated and secured some votes at the primaries, he deserved to be a part of the case.

Tabi Towo who appeared for aspirant, argued that neither the plaintiff Akan Okon, nor the 2nd Defendant Pastor Umo Eno was qualified whereas his client was eminently qualified and asked among other things that the May 25, 2022 governorship primaries be nullified.

Absolutely. He is overstepping his boundaries.

Abitolola:
Then he got served

It's democracy, but the judge has control over the court and decides what happens therein. If you want to record, you file a motion. It is the place of the judge to give permission for that. There are rules in the courtroom.

Malory:
But I thought it is an open court and besides we are in a democracy.

The High Court of Akwa Ibom State sitting in Uyo has adjourned the trial of Professor Ignatius Uduk of the University of Uyo who is charged for alleged electoral fraud.


The trial of the University don, who was the INEC Collation and Returning Officer for Essien Udim State Constituency in the 2019 election, has been severally stalled following complaints of ill health of the accused person, by his Counsel.

When the matter came up on Wednesday, the Prosecution Counsel tendered the Police Investigation Report from the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command on the medical report of Professor Ignatius Uduk allegedly obtained from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, which was tendered in Court, 26th June, 2022.

According to him, the Lagos State Police Commissioner after receiving a petition on the forgery of the medical report, contacted the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital where it was revealed that Professor Ignatius Uduk has never been admitted in the Hospital.

He said the Police Investigation report also said that the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital has no medical record of Professor Ignatius Uduk and could not have carried out any medical examination on him of the various ailment alleged in the medical report he presented to the Court, which has been confirmed to be fake.


The trial of the Uyo born Professor who is facing a three-count charge of forgery and false announcement of results of that election, was however stalled due to the absence of the Defense Counsel, Barr. Abasiodiong Ekpenyong on health grounds.

Prosecution counsel from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, said the Counsel was seen in another Court in Ikot Ekpene the previous day being 27th July, 2022.

A medical report from the General Hospital, Amamong in Okobo Local Government Area dated 26th July, 2022 indicated that the Defense Counsel had reported at the hospital, two days prior to the date of the issuance of the medical report.

The Prosecution Counsel also told the Court that, according to the Police report, the name of one Dr. A.O. Akintunbo that signed the said medical report, is not on the nominal roll of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.


After hearing the Prosecution Counsel, the trial judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang adjourned the matter to Monday, 8th August, 2022 for defense.

When a case is before a judge, he or she adjudicate over it, and has the jurisdictions to take decisions that is in the best interests of all parties involved. His prayers can't be granted,when this is an objection by the claimant. Remember, you were taken to court, and you don't seek convenience.

blackboy:
Major problem with Nigeria. Judiciary is not dispensing justice. What do you have to hide.
They want the case transferred.

Recording the proceedings of a court without the express permission of the presiding judge is contempt, and it comes with consequences. Let's just thank God that the judge didn't order that the culprit be remanded in jail.

Malory:
I think the judge is up to something by not allowing someone to video the proceedings. Free Inibehe Effiong.

I think you need more of the mental examination more than anyone else, because you allow your emotions rule, you live in sentiments, and that's a medical condition and a spiritual problem.

fidelmarshal199:

Anyone who believes this tales of moonlight needs a brain examination.

Our people always too emotional. Inibehe Effiong is a junior lawyer and will always want to sit on the head of his superiors, and if you ask him, he will say that he wants to be fearless like Falana, and forgets that Falana does that with caution, and doesn't walk himself into fire and believe that he won't be burnt. If he was in the military, I doubt if he would have seen the light of day.

SIMONEKPA7:

I know the earlier news was fake but Nigeria people always like concluding without hearing both side of stories. How can a junior lawyer be point hand and raising his voice against a learned Judge. even if you are right it doesn't give you the right to be abusing privileges just because you have access to mobile phone and press crew. He should be sent to 10 years and his legal practice license be revoked.
I hate rubbish

EYE WITNESS REPORT OF REV'D RICHARD PETERS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED IN STATE HIGH COURT 1(CHIEF JUDGE'S COURT) IN SUIT NO HU/279/2019, BETWEEN GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL vs LEO EKPENYONG


1. It was around 10:30am when the matter was called by the court clerk on the directive of the court and all parties were represented by their respective Lawyers. Mr. Sam Ikpo leading two other Lawyers appeared for the Claimant, Governor Udom Emmanuel, while Mr. Inibehe Effiong with one Mr. Augustine was for the defendant, Leo Ekpenyong.

2. The Judge asked what the matter was for and the Claimant's Lawyer informed the court that it is for further cross examination of Claimant's witness (CW3) which was Rev'd Richard Peters, as the last witness of the Claimant.

3. I was called to the witness box for further cross examination of which the defence lawyer, Inibehe Effiong commenced by asking me whether I know the consequences of lying on oath, and I answered Yes, my Lord and he now asked me what the consequences were and I responded by saying that I can't recall now and that I know that it is not good to lie on oath as a Christian.

4. He further asked whether I know that lying on oath is a perjury of which I can be prosecuted and I responded that if the court finds out that I'm lying on oath, the law should take it's cause. The Defense counsel was not satisfied by my answers and he continued asking the same questions and I also responded with the same answers.

5. The defence lawyer also asked me whether I stated in my statement on oath before the court that I am an SA to the Claimant in the case, and I responded Yes.

6. At this Juncture, the Chief Judge sighted a man with a red shirt using his phone to record the proceedings of the court inside court and ordered him to stand up and hand over the phone to police at the entrance door, the court asked the police to check the phone, which was done and was discovered that he was recording proceedings of the court with the phone and the court ordered for the seizure of phone.

7. The Defense lawyer interjected, telling the court that it is an open court and that the public is allowed to witness and record proceedings, at this point the judge said no, that he has no right to video the proceedings of the court without outright permission of the court, the Judge further told the defence lawyer to continue with his cross examination, but he refused and was still making reference to the seizure of the phone by the court at the top of his voice, at this point, the court now told the Defense lawyer that that the court will not tolerate his excesses in court today and that he should be serious with the business of the day which was further cross examination of CW3.

8. While the Judge was about to put the defence lawyer on record, Inibehe Effiong jumped up and shouted saying "You cannot tell him to leave the court, he is a journalist. He has right to stay in court and record all what you say so that you cannot deny. If you don't ask him to come back to the court, I will not sit down and no proceedings will continue today. My Lord, I'm waiting for you to rescind your order. Nothing will happen today."

9. He continued: "I have noted the manner this court conducts its case, that is why we filed motion for transfer of this case to another court, you refused to hear the motion. What type of a Judge are you? You must hear the motion today or hell will let loose".

10. While the defence lawyer was insisting on the Judge to hear his motion and for the seized phone to be returned to the owner, and was talking while the Judge was still talking, the Judge told the defence lawyer to stop talking and continue in the further cross examination.

11. While the court was trying to respond to the defence lawyer's application, he kept shouting, raising his voice in the court and pointing his fingers at the Judge and said "I have seen around policemen in this court, tell them to leave immediately so that I can conduct my case freely, you don't have any right to bring in armed policemen into this court to intimidate me and threaten me. I will resist it, if you don't order them to leave, I'll not sit down".

12. Although I didn't see any arms with the police, however, the Judge responded by saying that the policemen are protecting the court against any harrassment.

13. The Judge continually told the defence lawyer to conclude his further cross examination so that the records of the court will be tidy then the motions will be taken, but Inibehe Effiong yelled: "I will not, you have to do what I say or nothing will happen this morning, I bet you".

14. At this Juncture, the court could not contain the attitudes of the defence lawyer in challenging the court decisions verbally and disrupting the court proceedings, the Judge asked him to step out of the Bar, derobe and certain procedures followed.

15. The Judge sentence him to prison for a month until he purges himself of the contemptuous conduct.

EYE WITNESS REPORT OF REV'D RICHARD PETERS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED IN STATE HIGH COURT 1(CHIEF JUDGE'S COURT) IN SUIT NO HU/279/2019, BETWEEN GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL vs LEO EKPENYONG


1. It was around 10:30am when the matter was called by the court clerk on the directive of the court and all parties were represented by their respective Lawyers. Mr. Sam Ikpo leading two other Lawyers appeared for the Claimant, Governor Udom Emmanuel, while Mr. Inibehe Effiong with one Mr. Augustine was for the defendant, Leo Ekpenyong.

2. The Judge asked what the matter was for and the Claimant's Lawyer informed the court that it is for further cross examination of Claimant's witness (CW3) which was Rev'd Richard Peters, as the last witness of the Claimant.

3. I was called to the witness box for further cross examination of which the defence lawyer, Inibehe Effiong commenced by asking me whether I know the consequences of lying on oath, and I answered Yes, my Lord and he now asked me what the consequences were and I responded by saying that I can't recall now and that I know that it is not good to lie on oath as a Christian.

4. He further asked whether I know that lying on oath is a perjury of which I can be prosecuted and I responded that if the court finds out that I'm lying on oath, the law should take it's cause. The Defense counsel was not satisfied by my answers and he continued asking the same questions and I also responded with the same answers.

5. The defence lawyer also asked me whether I stated in my statement on oath before the court that I am an SA to the Claimant in the case, and I responded Yes.

6. At this Juncture, the Chief Judge sighted a man with a red shirt using his phone to record the proceedings of the court inside court and ordered him to stand up and hand over the phone to police at the entrance door, the court asked the police to check the phone, which was done and was discovered that he was recording proceedings of the court with the phone and the court ordered for the seizure of phone.

7. The Defense lawyer interjected, telling the court that it is an open court and that the public is allowed to witness and record proceedings, at this point the judge said no, that he has no right to video the proceedings of the court without outright permission of the court, the Judge further told the defence lawyer to continue with his cross examination, but he refused and was still making reference to the seizure of the phone by the court at the top of his voice, at this point, the court now told the Defense lawyer that that the court will not tolerate his excesses in court today and that he should be serious with the business of the day which was further cross examination of CW3.

8. While the Judge was about to put the defence lawyer on record, Inibehe Effiong jumped up and shouted saying "You cannot tell him to leave the court, he is a journalist. He has right to stay in court and record all what you say so that you cannot deny. If you don't ask him to come back to the court, I will not sit down and no proceedings will continue today. My Lord, I'm waiting for you to rescind your order. Nothing will happen today."

9. He continued: "I have noted the manner this court conducts its case, that is why we filed motion for transfer of this case to another court, you refused to hear the motion. What type of a Judge are you? You must hear the motion today or hell will let loose".

10. While the defence lawyer was insisting on the Judge to hear his motion and for the seized phone to be returned to the owner, and was talking while the Judge was still talking, the Judge told the defence lawyer to stop talking and continue in the further cross examination.

11. While the court was trying to respond to the defence lawyer's application, he kept shouting, raising his voice in the court and pointing his fingers at the Judge and said "I have seen around policemen in this court, tell them to leave immediately so that I can conduct my case freely, you don't have any right to bring in armed policemen into this court to intimidate me and threaten me. I will resist it, if you don't order them to leave, I'll not sit down".

12. Although I didn't see any arms with the police, however, the Judge responded by saying that the policemen are protecting the court against any harrassment.

13. The Judge continually told the defence lawyer to conclude his further cross examination so that the records of the court will be tidy then the motions will be taken, but Inibehe Effiong yelled: "I will not, you have to do what I say or nothing will happen this morning, I bet you".

14. At this Juncture, the court could not contain the attitudes of the defence lawyer in challenging the court decisions verbally and disrupting the court proceedings, the Judge asked him to step out of the Bar, derobe and certain procedures followed.

15. The Judge sentence him to prison for a month until he purges himself of the contemptuous conduct.

An Akwa Ibom State High Court has ordered a lawyer Mr Inibehe Effiong to be remanded in jail for one month over contemptuous and insulting behaviour in court.

Justice Ekaette Obot ordered that Inibehe Effiong use the correctional facility to purge himself of insolence and dishonorable acts that tend to bring the court to disrepute.

The Court had sat in the case of libel by Governor Udom Emmanuel against Mr Leo Ekpenyong was on its last day for the prosecution to end its case.

Barr Effiong had despite repeated warnings from the State Chief Judge, constantly accused the Judge of being biased, asking her to recuse herself from handling the case.

Speaking on the decision of the court, Counsel to Governor Emmanuel, Samuel Ikpo said he was shocked that a lawyer could utter such damning and profane utterances against a judge.

“I believe that when he comes out of the correctional facility, he will learn how to conduct himself before a court.

He wondered why Inibehe could disobey an order given to him by the judge, who asked him to take off his wig and step aside from the bar and he choose to remain obstinate.

“A lawyer should not allow himself to use one client to destroy his reputation before all the judges.

“I think Justice Obot has really been patient with him all these while,even as a lawyer, I could not tolerate the young lawyer’s conduct”. Barr Ikpo stated.

A Federal High Court in Uyo has adjourned to a later date, in the case between Akan Ekpe Okon and the Peoples Democratic Party, Pastor Umo Eno and Independent National Electoral Commission.

When the suit FHC/UY/CS/110/2022 came up Thursday for hearing, Mr Etim Aniekan Akan, one of the defeated aspirants in the PDP Governorship primaries, sought the Court’s leave to be joined as a party in the suit.

However speaking for the 1st and 2nd Defendants, Paul Usoro,SAN citing relevant judicial authority said the only grounds on which a party can be joined in a suit is where their participation will aid the administration of Justice, and where such party’s interests are tied to the interests of the defendants.

Paul Usoro said where the party sought to be joined is seeking the cancellation of the primaries and disqualification of the registered parties, there is no connection between such interests and that of the plaintiffs and the defendants and urged the court to dismiss the application.

The 1st and 2nd defendants reasoned that a necessary party is a party without whose presence the case cannot be completely or effectively determined.

They reasoned further that one can also be joined in a case if the plaintiff had made a case or seeks reliefs that pertain affect that party.

Similarly, the counsel to the plaintiff, Uche Awa,SAN, also opposed to the application by Mr Etim Akan, seeking being joined in the case describing it as abuse of court process.

Mr Etim Akan had pleaded that having bought the forms from the 1st Defendant, and having participated and secured some votes at the primaries, he deserved to be a part of the case.

Tabi Towo who appeared for aspirant, argued that neither the plaintiff Akan Okon, nor the 2nd Defendant Pastor Umo Eno was qualified whereas his client was eminently qualified and asked among other things that the May 25, 2022 governorship primaries be nullified.

The said Etim Akan had in a motion on notice, sought the order of the court to be joined as 4th defendant, and to be served with all the processes filed on the suit.

He argued that in pursuant of Order 9 Rule 5 of the Rules of the Federal High Court, 2019, "any person may be joined as defendant against whom the right to any relief is alleged to exist, whether jointly, severally or in the alternative and judgements may be given against one or more of the defendants as may be found to be liable, according to their respective liabilities, without amendment."

Accordingly, Justice Agatha Okeke adjourned proceedings to a later date to be communicated to the parties, for ruling on the application

We all know the story of Nicodemus in the Bible. The Jewish leader who sneaked to Jesus at night to seek powers and salvation from the Lord of life. He knew the truth, but surreptitiously tiptoed to the supreme Rabbi at an unholy hour to avoid the preying eyes of his hypocritical colleagues. Overtime, Nicodemus has been used as a euphemism for people who try achieving their ambitions surreptitiously, that is through the back door. One of such persons, is Akan Okon, or how else would you describe a man who polled a paltry three votes in a contest that over 1000 people voted?


For those who are unfamiliar with the matter, Akan Okon says that the two Senior School Certificate results that Pastor Umo Eno parades, are forged and no such candidate by name Umo Eno wrote exams in 1981 and 1983. Akan went further to allege that the exams numbers were fake and clearly not real. To this end, Umo Eno should be declared disqualified by the court while the PDP should be compelled to hand over the ticket to him as the winner.

ALLEGATIONS RAISED BY AKAN OKON
1. Akan Okon alleged that he has met all candidates who wrote WAEC examinations in Nigeria in 1981. None has 15 as first two numbers as all exams numbers that year started with 09.
2. That the signature on Pastor ENO’S certificate was too bold to be that of the chairman of the exams council
3. That the photocopy of Pastor ENO’S certificates he has seen, has a white background and looks fake.
4. And that Pastor Eno spent six years in secondary school instead of five years and as such did not attend secondary school.
5. That the letters SC and SG are supposed to be the only boldened items on certificates and that it is not the case on Pastor Eno’s certificate.

With Paul Usoroh,SAN taking over as the lead counsel of the defense team, the ball has been rolled and counsel to PDP as well as counsel to the Pastor Umo Eno and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, are ready for the Plaintiff to throw everything in his arsenal to show the world how Umo Eno’s certificates are forged. Personally, one wonders what lessons our elders are bequeathing on our younger ones, when we attempt to snatch what we know very well, we do not merit. Losing a political tussle to a colleague who spent barely two years in public office, is enough embarrassment for a man who hovered in five government ministries for over nine years.

When the case came up on Monday, July 18, there was a surprise appearance by Etim Aniekan Akan, another candidate from Itu, who pleaded to be joined in the suit with the plaintiff. The new entrant who scored two votes at the primaries says Akan Okon was not qualified to be the challenger on the matter and that he should be joined in the suit. Justice Okeke is expected to rule on his application this Thursday, July 21.

On Monday, the Counsel to the 2nd Defendant, Paul Usoroh, SAN had applied and withdrawn the earlier statement of defense submitted by Assam Assam,SAN, and applied to tender an amended statement of defense. This was okayed by the court. People would not expect that Paul Usoroh would come into a matter like this without first establishing his own imprimatur, especially fresh from Abuja where he last week led the defense team to a comprehensive walk over against a rag tagged and poorly executed case instituted by Senator Bassey Albert’s surrogates against the PDP. The victory turned out to be a technical knockout as the Senator leaped from the PDP to YPP, a move indicative of retirement from politics. Nobody wins after defecting from PDP in Akwa Ibom State.

Today Akan Okon returns to court to attempt a Nicodemus attempt at the ticket strongly clutched by Pastor Umo Eno, in what has come to be acclaimed as another session of legal gymnastics.


Essien Ndueso, UYO

OBA ON A SPEED LANE TO JAIL FOR ADMITTING BRIBE - UDOSEN

A member of the Young Peoples Party, standing trial before Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert has admitted that he received vehicles from a contractor, Olajide Omokore while he was a Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State.

Bassey is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for money laundering and being in possession of six vehicles worth N204 million, at the instance of Omokore, whose companies executed contracts for the Akwa Ibom State government during his tenure in the state executive council.



One of the charges against the Senator reads: "That you Albert Bassey (whilst being the Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State and Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee (IMDLCC) sometime in December, 2012 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly took possession of a vehicle (Infinity QX 56 BP) valued at N45, 000, 000.00 at the instance of one Olajide Jones Omokore (whose companies had contracts with Akwa Ibom State Government at that material time), when you reasonably ought to have known that the said vehicle formed part of proceed of unlawful activity (to wit: corruption) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act".

A social commentator, Elder Emmanuel Udosen says by his own admission, Bassey Albert has unwittingly reversed his plea of "not guilty" to being "guilty as charged"?

Udosen responded that, “in advance climes, a smart defence Attorney will immediately switch into Plea Bargain to grant accused person a soft landing.

“Why are the lawyers called Counsel, if not to understand when to throw in the towel and counsel his client on how to lessen his punishment and still have something left of his dignity (if any)?

“If the feelers received from some unconfirmed quarters is reliable, the accused is planning to feign health breakdown and skip the next court day for a breathing space in a hospital overseas from where my "smart" brother will bid farewell to Nigeria.”
The consequence of this ploy is that the surety will forfeit the bail bond to the state while my friend will cool off under political asylum somewhere within the globe.

The surety himself is uncomfortable with this ploy as it will surely paint him in bad light and may result in a few days incarceration before the process settles down.
The court too is not ignorant of these tendencies and is awaiting any signal in that direction to cancel the bail and issue a bench warrant.

He also opined that Bassey Albert’s second option was, “the foremost calculation before now was to wait for the conviction, take an appeal, get sworn in as governor of Akwa Ibom state, and plead executive immunity for eight years. That was why he refused to enter his defence and had to be foreclosed.

“This option, however, has become the most remote option now as his chances of becoming the governor; no, not in YPP or anywhere else is closing to O,” Udosen added.

At the resumed trial of the matter on Thursday, July 14, 2022, Bassey, while being led in evidence by the lead defence counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, admitted receiving cars from Omokore.

According to him, he had been friends with Omokore for nine years before he joined politics but denied knowing Omokore’s companies.

He also denied being involved in the award of contracts to any of Omokore’s companies in November 2013 before he left office as the Commissioner for Finance in April 2014.

In a cross-examination by the EFCC’s counsel, E. E. Iheanacho, Bassey admitted that he was aware that contracts were awarded to companies while he was the Commissioner for Finance and the Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee-IMDLCC, but did not know if the said Committee he chaired received over N30billion as alleged.

The prosecutor further asked the Senator if he knew that the cars mentioned in the charge were luxury cars, Bassey affirmed that they were bullet-proof cars, but denied knowing if they were luxury cars.

Bassey was also asked if he would be surprised to know that the said Committee he chaired, made payments to Omokore’s companies during the period in question, and he responded that he would not be surprised.

Justice Okeke adjourned the matter to September 26, 2022 for adoption of written addresses.

The cars in contention include; Infinity QX 56 BP, valued at the sum of N45million; Toyota Land Cruiser V8 B, valued at the sum of N40million; Range Rover, valued at the sum of N40million; Toyota Hiace high-roof, valued at the sum of N27million, another Toyota Hiace high-roof valued at the sum of N16million and Toyota Hilux 4X4 valued at the sum of N36million.

Bassey resigned from the PDP the next day, July 15, following the failure of his cronies, Honourable Friday Iwok and 30 others, to secure victory and upturn the the PDP primaries and Wards Adhoc Delegates Congress held in Akwa Ibom State recently.


The federal high court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, dismissed the suit challenging the conduct of ward congresses held to elect Adhoc delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, describing it as lacking in merit.

In the suit FHC/ABJ/CS/606/2022 brought by Friday Iwok and 30 others, the court also held that by SECTION 84(13) of the electoral act as amended, the Court has no power to stop or restrain the conduct of Primaries elections of political parties.

The Court held that the plaintiffs did not prove that the PDP disenfranchised any of its members and also did not have the locus standi to challenge a Congress they had failed to participate.

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Itu Local Government Area have re-affirmed their support for the party and all the candidates of the party in the forth coming 2023 general elections.

The party leaders who made their position known on Sunday at the Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency Office, Mbak Itam praised the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel for his sterling performance in office and mature handling of party affairs in the state.

Convener of the meeting and member representing Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency in the House of Reps, Dr Henry Archibong said Itu is firmly committed to delivering the 5 candidates of the party at the polls. While dismissing claims that Itu people have moved to a few mushroom parties which sprung up recently, he also assured that all court cases will be summarily dismissed like the famous ante bellum case which clearly lacked merit.

Dr Archibong described the PDP Governorship candidate in the state, Pst Umo Eno as a God sent gift to Akwa �bom State with the capacity, temperament and ideas to change the fortunes of the state. He assured Itu people that Pastor Umo Eno will change the fortunes of the area as he promised on several occasions and interactions with him.

He enjoined all party men and women to continue to drum support for his candidacy and that of all the candidates of the party.

Others Speakers at the meeting were former SSG, Obonganwan Grace Ekong, Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon Dr Bassey Okon, Commissioner, House of Assembly Commission, Barr Goddy Awah, MD Basse Engineering Ltd, Engr Bassey Ekanem, Special Assistant to the Governor, Public Affairs, Mr Raphael Edem, SA to Governor, Projects, Hon Ebong Ebong Okon (Kiwi), SA to Governor, Hon Ubong Wilson Ukut, Itu Chapter Chairman of the PDP, Hon Victor Okon, PDP woman leader, Itu, Mrs Inemesit Maxwell, Youth Leader, Comrade Joshua Samuel Edem.

They affirmed the strength of the party in the area and unanimously declared their support for Pastor Umo Eno. They called on all ward and unit leaders to use the remaining days to ensure voter registration and pvc collection.

In attendance were past and present political office holders, past and present councillors, ward chairmen, past and present ward chairmen, critical stakeholders from all the wards.

Judgement Day:

Appearance for the 2nd defendant, PDP is led Barr Emmanuel Enoidem while Sir Uwemedimo Nwoko appears for the 3rd to 331st defendants who are the Adhoc delegates.
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Rulings on Interlocutory Applications:

1. Stay of Execution Order sought by the 2nd defendant, PDP sustained by the Court.

2. On Plaintiff’s application for the court to nullify the primaries of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State, as a violation of Status Quo ante Bellum order of the court; the court dismissed the application saying it was unnecessary since the Stay of Execution Order sought by the 2nd defendant, PDP has already been granted by the Court. “It will amount to giving in one hand and taking from the other”, Justice Obiora Egwatu posited.
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Breaking:

Ahmed Raji, SAN, Plaintiff’s Counsel missing on judgement day.
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According to the Judge, The defendants insisted that the plaintiffs did not buy expression of interests and there is no such records in the party office that the plaintiffs bought forms for the primaries. The defendants maintained that the cleared candidates where those who bought forms for the Congress and there was no screening exercise. They also argued that if the plaintiffs had bought forms for the congress, they would have gone to their wards to participate in the congress. They argued further that the defendants won the congress in 329 wards through open balloting, as conducted by the Ward congress committee headed by Ibrahim Umar .
The also argued that Gamaliel Abubakar chaired appeal panel received four complaints after the congress from members of the party and subsequently dismissed them on the basis of lacking in merit.

They also maintained that they were ready to present over 7000 witnesses and more than 300 video evidences to attest that the congress was fair.

Final Judgment:

COURT RULES THAT IT LACKS JURISDICTION AND UPHOLDS PRELIM OBJECTIONS BY DEFENDANTS

On the issue of the congress being the internal affairs of the party. The court held that the matter was non justiciable as the matter was an internal matter of the 2nd defendant. It agreed that the plaintiffs did exhaust the internal mechanism of the party before commencing the suit. But rules that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

#IwokVsPDP

As the wind of politics fan its embers on characters performing on the Akwa Ibom State political stage, one can only look forward to the next minute’s happening, while relishing the comic relief provided by preceding scenes.


We’ve come to a time when nothing else matters if it’s not politics; and the era when fraternal ties as well as relationship bonds are severed, regarded less of our relationship with the persons involved. But one thing is sure, all the fabrications of the ungodly against God’s anointed, Pst. Umo Eno will end in futility, and God’s divine will for him will end in praise.


In view of the fact that trials and persecutions often envelope a good course, we should not be swayed by the unending defamatory attempts by naysayers to mudsling Pst. Umo Eno, particularly from Akan Okon’s camp. However, all attempts to touch this anointed of God will surely end in futility as it has, already.


Taking a cursory look at the bone of contention surrounding the 5-star aspirant, one can safely conclude that no amount of evidence would satisfy the devilish thirst of Akan Okon’s boys. Even when their agitations are being attended to in quick succession, they would rather dig out loopholes of theirs and attribute the same to the incoming Governor, Umo Eno.


First, the argument against the man of God was that he did not sit for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). He was strongly ridiculed and called all sorts of names for this alleged undoing. But nobody ever imagined the impossibility of gaining admission into a University without the WAEC result; how hilarious! Then came the issue of double results – WAEC and GCE.


Except we all would pretend not to know, and allow an innocent man’s reputation be toyed with, we would attest that combining results isn’t a new thing. It didn’t start today and won’t end today. People have been combining results from the days of yore! The academia particularly emphasizes on some credits in WAEC needed in specific study areas, as well as the paramilitary. As such, where one is unable to meet that requirement, they are allowed to take a substitute examination (GCE or NECO) to combine with their WAEC result for admission or employment as is seen in the case of Pst. Umo Eno. One can re-sit for an exam if their performances demand so. This isn’t new. Many people did this and are still doing it, what then is the fuss about? Why are we acting alien to this long-existing practice which enabled a lot of us access to the education we have so abused? Why condemn a practice which made you?


The trending debate about the grades on the result is even more unfounded thus, giving credence to previous submission that the men whose intentions are sinister would gladly dig up portholes if they find none. Even the constitution of Nigeria does not dwell on grades but the attainment of specified certificates such as FSLC, WAEC or its equivalent; and an aspirant’s ability to express themselves. Grade specifications are only spelt-out in school systems and the paramilitary. Nothing of such exists in politics, there is no grade limit. So, these outcry and acting to know better and be more intelligent than INEC is comical.


Without recourse to his humble beginning and hitherto unknown name, Akan Okon who through the magnanimity of Gov. Udom Emmanuel now has a voice, has decided to embark on a betrayal journey against his boss. But all of his antics will fail, just like his trip to Ghana did. His insistence on Umo Eno’s certificate being forged has been countered by WAEC which declared openly that they have the said certificate in their records. But the die-hard Akan Okon, allegedly went ahead to bribe the zonal head of WAEC surreptitiously, begging him to deny the existence of the certificate or alter it after the Head Office’s confirmation thus, resulting in the unending controversies surrounding the certificate.


But the good news is that the National Headquarters of WAEC got wind of this information and currently have the bribed culprit under their nose for questioning. The sad news however is that if discovered to have compromised, the culprit risks losing his job to the greed, selfishness and desperation of Akan Okon.

No doubt, propaganda, blackmail and envy often envelope an aspirant’s political journey but the height of desperation Akan Okon has gone to pull down his brother is beyond the Rubicon. No amount of his desperate attempts, multiplied by 10 will see the light of day and he will surely see his wildest dream come to pass.

Richard Peters

Making contradictory statements and desperate media stunts in a bid to run down the soaring profile of the PDP Governorship candidate, Pastor Umo Eno, has clearly shown Mr Akan Okon as undeserving of a public office.

A senior citizen in the state, Elder Emmanuel Udosen in a reaction statement, described the forgery case instituted by former Commissioner, and defeated Governorship aspirant, Mr Okon

He said Mr. Okon’s petition against the PDP Governorship candidate, Pastor Eno is lacking in substance and coherence, hence ought to be discountenance by sane minds.

Elder Udosen’s statement titled; "ITU/IBIONO IBOM POLITICAL QUEST AND THE QUAGMIRE IN AKWA IBOM POLITICS", expressed worry that a man who should know better is rather making mockery of himself by his recent actions.

Udosen who leads a group, Friends of Umo Eno League (FUEL) having x-rayed Akan Okon's reply to the statement of defense in the case he instituted against Pastor Umo Eno, found it difficult to understand how an aspirant would forge two certificates with pass grades in only 4 subjects respectively.

Udosen who has served in the Justice sub-sector of Nigeria explained that he has seen and touched forged certificates, and drew the conclusion that about 99% of those who forge their certificates allot very high grades to themselves and clear all subjects at a sitting and not the reverse.

Elder Udosen pointed out that the same Akan Okon who is alleging certificate forgery against Umo Eno in one hand has turned around to admit that the certificates are actually genuine but that they belong to different people and not Pastor Umo Eno.

Akan Okon's argument is that the certificate and the verification report from WAEC are different because the serial numbers has a slash sign(/) in one but not in the other.

According to Udosen; "Assuming, but not conceding, that there is serialization error by the issuing body, how does that support forgery by Umo Bassey Eno?

He also laughed off a verification report of one faceless NGO called "Association for Advancement of Democracy in Nigeria (AADN)" where a branch office of WAEC in Ogba Estate, Lagos State denied having the PDP candidate's details in their database.

“Invariably, Akan Okon is saying there was no exams at all which gave birth to the certificates presented by the PDP candidate at the screening. In law, you don't approbate and reprobate at the same time"

Reacting to the barrage of criticism that has trailed the release of Umo Eno's certificate, Elder Udosen in his article challenged those still in doubt about the authenticity of the two certificates released to buy WAEC scratch card, type the PIN and get information about the result, rather than engaging in hearsay.”

"Now that the two certificates are already in the public domain, verification and authentication of same is not rocket science.

“All that one needs to do is to buy WAEC scratch card and type the PIN to get information about the result. I have done so in respect of the 1983 result and will advise the curious public to follow suit. So far, only the 1981 certificate will not pop up because, according to WAEC source, same is yet to be uploaded. But even at that, I believe the database of Victory High School where the master sheet of results are kept can clear every iota of doubt and same is also accessible to the public on demand.

“One will stand to wonder how the same WAEC can turn around and write to a faceless NGO denying having such particulars in their database".

He further dismissed those still finding fault in Umo Eno's certificate even while the matter is being determined in court, describing their argument as lacking in substance and coherence.

Permit me to start this discourse with a direct response to one Mr. Obong Ubong Edem of Urua Ekpa reportedly writing from Offot Ukwa Mbana Nkan Ikwa, whatever that means. His attempt to articulate an argument in support of an illustrious Itu/Ibiono son in the person of Akan Okon while being an ardent fan of OBA impresses me. The article suggests that at least, there is one OBA's fan, whether writing from the Uyo ravine or not, who has some intellectual coordination, though their number may be in limited supply.

First, he asked if the FUEL I represent is our regular fossil product used in running our generators. No sir. Mine is an acronym for Friends of Umo Eno League (FUEL), the leading sociopolitical group in support of the incoming Akwa Ibom State Governor.

Secondly, he quarreled with my position that Akan Okon did not exhibit sufficient intelligence when the latter instituted a court action challenging the integrity of the PDP guber candidate in the state, Pst Umo Bassey Eno, before setting out to investigate the veracity of his claim. The bases for Mr. Edem's argument is the fact that Akan Okon, having served as a Commissioner in various ministries in the state for about nine years, is sufficient proof of intelligence and leadership. I earlier thought as much.
But consider this argument. Would it not amount to lack of intelligence if an aspirant should forge two school certificates with pass grades in only four subjects respectively? That is what would be said of Pst Umo Bassey Eno, if, and only if the court finally agrees that the certificates he has used for about forty years and finally presented for party screening were forged. But by reason of my privileged career in the justice subsector of Nigeria, I have seen and touched forged certificates and I can tell you for free that 99% of forgers allot very high grades to themselves and they clear all subjects at a sitting and not the reverse.

Flip it to a man who, after serving in various ministries as a commissioner with every imaginable exposure and understanding of the legal import, first filed a suit with a strong defamatory elements and thereafter started the verification process of his facts. Doesn't that smack gross intelligent deficiency?

Let me agree for once with Mr. Edem's analogy that politics is like getting inside the kitchen and one should be prepared to face the heat. Any level headed person should differentiate the normal kitchen heat from when carbide or dynamite is mixed. Akan Okon has displayed infantility by mixing carbide with the normal kitchen heat and he wants the right thinking Akwa Ibomites to share his egghead that it is all politics. No sir. This is politics unusual.

Well, let's leave this subject hanging here until the controversy receives judicial node on who truly is unintelligent.

I share in the sentiment of an average Itu/Ibiono Ibom person that it would have given them joy if the governorship was micro zoned to their federal constituency. In politics, you don't bargain to have all you want all the time. The spirit of sportsmanship will guide one to know when to accept a realistic outcome and renegotiate the next available and realistic options. Our Igbo brothers, and indeed the Southern Nigeria, canvassed the same micro zoning in the presidency. But when it turned out otherwise, it became expedient to restrategize. You don't spit fire and brimstone when the result falls short of your expectation because there is always another day. Besides, when the Ibiono Ibom macho man, Obong Bassey Albert, twice used threats of bloodshed and intimidation to usurp the senatorial chance of Uyo Federal constituency, the Uyo people did not go gaga.

That aside, as I am writing this piece, I am baffled to read from the reply to statement of defence of Akan Okon that because two school certificates have the names, Eno Umo Bassey and Bassey Umo Eno, it is reasonably suspected that they belong to different people and may have only been issued to, signed, collected and used by one person for about forty years without the true owner of the other copy protesting to the issuing body or complaining of his missing certificate. By Akan Okon's standard of reasoning as posited in his reply to the statement of defence, the presiding Judge should construe that Umo Bassey Eno who applied for verification of result from WAEC is different from Eno Umo Bassey whose name appears on the certificate. To me, while Akan Okon has the political right to peg his level of reasoning, my only quarrel is why a section of the intellectual Akwa Ibom population should choose to sheepishly align with him to maintain the heat in his political "kitchen".

Again, I am still struggling to understand which argument Akan Okon seeks to sustain in his reply to the statement of defence.
Among other trivial dents, he is alleging;
1. a certificate forgery, but also admitting that the certificates are issued by WAEC but that they belong to different people with none having the semblance of being the property of the PDP guber candidate.
2. that the certificates and the verification report from WAEC are different because the serial numbers have a slash (/) in one but not in the other. Yet WAEC does not deny issuing the certificate with the numbers without the slash (/), and neither does it deny issuing the verification with serialization containing a slash (/). Assuming, but not conceding, that there is serialization error by the issuing body, how does that support forgery by Umo Bassey Eno?
3. that he pleads a verification report of one faceless NGO called "Association for Advancement of Democracy in Nigeria (AADN)" where a branch office of WAEC in Ogba Estate, Lagos State denied having the PDP candidate's details in their database. Invariably, Akan Okon is saying there was no exams at all which gave birth to the certificates presented by the PDP candidate at the screening. In law, you don't approbate and reprobate at the same time.
Now that the two certificates are already in the public domain, verification and authentication of same is not rocket science. All that one needs to do is to buy WAEC scratch card and type the PIN to get information about the result. I have done so in respect of the 1983 result and will advise the curious public to follow suit. So far, only the 1981 certificate will not pop up because, according to WAEC source, same is yet to be uploaded. But even at that, I believe the database of Victory High School where the master sheet of results are kept can clear every iota of doubt and same is also accessible to the public on demand. (Find above, the verification result using the WAEC scratch card). One will stand to wonder how the same WAEC can turn around and write to a faceless NGO denying having such particulars in their database.

If the latest social media report making rounds that some WAEC staff are helping the police to unravel the contradictory reports from the agency is anything to go by, then we are yet to hear how many more persons from within and without the agency will be complicit in the deal.

It beats my imagination what level of spell will make some experienced Akwa Ibomites queue behind an argument that is wanting in substance and in coherence.

Agreed that the Nigerian judicial system, like other sectors of the country, is corrupt. Agreed that we have judges who sometime misjudge. But my 35 years in this industry has proven to me that we still have sound and uncompromising judges who will rather choose the part of honor and decide cases based on merit than on technicalities.

I can pardon the 6-3-3-4 generation of School Cert holders who may not know that there was a time Nigerian universities admitted candidates with four credits. There was a time registration of internal WASC accepted less than eight subjects. There was, and there are still occasions when peoples' surname come first, followed by other names and yet other times when peoples' first name comes first followed by other names. It might also interest you to know that still in this country, some tribes or group of persons choose to bear all three or two names belonging to the same person without necessarily aligning any to the family names. To Akan Okon and his egghead followers, such people will be subhumans because their names don't rhyme with the imagination of this political neophyte.

Go home with this my final nugget. If the certificate forgery propaganda against Pst. Umo Bassey Eno had any substance in it, the political juggernauts like Onofiok Luke, OBA, and or the chronic aspirants like Aniema would not have waited for Akan Okon to come and muddle himself with that fiction.

By Eld. Emmanuel Udosen.

.....Receives 500 defectors from Opposition Parties.

Tony Anichebe Uyo.

Determined to show total support and massive solidarity for their party, over 5000 members of peoples Democratic party in Uyo ward 6 Saturday stormed the Atan Offot Uyo to partake in the state wide meeting of the party holding simultaneously in all the 329 wards of the state.

Atan offot Uyo which is the host of the brand new PDP state secretariat is also wearing new look with their several internal roads completed by the Emmanuel's which elicits joy in the heart of the indigenes.

Uyo ward 6 also parades many top government functionaries such as the political leader of uyo and chairman Uyo capital city development commission Prince Enobong Uwah Mr Charles Udoh, Hon Commissioner for Environment among several others.

Setting the tone for the meeting, the senior special assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Brand and marketing Mr Ime Uwah noted that even though the meeting has representation of all the units and villages that made up ward 6, the mammoth crowd is still there on representative capacity from all the units.

He stated that impressive turnout of members is a clear indication that the people of ward 6 are very happy with the party and the administration of Governor udom Emmanuel.

Councillors of uyo local government legislative council at the occasion formally moved and adopted a motion dissolving all factions supporting any aspirant before the last primaries and the members resolved to in unison support all PDP candidates that emerged from state Assembly to the president.

Speaking at the elaborate meeting the commissioner for Environment Sir Charles Udoh reminded the people of ward six that they are hosts of the state secretariat of the party and also have prominent sons in strategic positions in the campaign organization of the party.

He highlighted that the PDP is like a religion in the area and made it clear that the entire ward is solidily behind the succession and completion agenda of Governor udom Emmanuel.

'' Government of Udom Emmanuel have done so much for the state in general and ward 6 in particular and need not campaign here for Umo Eno because we are one big family and Umo Eno is ever ready to do more for us after his election in 2023''

The meeting witnessed the defection of over 500 APC, NNPP, ACCORD Parties supporters into the PDP family who were received by the political leader of Uyo Prince Enobong Uwah with assurances to fully integrate them into the party.

Also addressing the mammoth supporters at the meeting the political leader of Uyo local government area Prince Enobong Uwah assures the people that dividends of democracy will continue to go around members of the ward.

'' Ward 6 has witnessed massive development because we are working in synergy for the benefit of all and more are coming '' he said.

Prince Uwah highlighted that Pastor Umo Eno remains the best option for Akwa ibom state in 2023 and assures villages whose roads are yet to be asphalted to tarry awhile as they will benefit.

He appealed to the members and supporters of the party to continue their loyalty and support to Governor Udom Emmanuel and all the party leaders because they will definitely benefit from such virtues.

Several goodwill message were delivered by party faithfuls who eulogized the sterling performance of Governor Udom Emmanuel while pledging their total support for Guber aspiration of pastor Umo Eno.

...sensitizes participants on INEC registration

There was an electrifying atmosphere filled with admirable dance steps, praise singing and glamour as the PDP flag bearer for Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Dr. Glory Edet, hosted the entire PDP women structure of Ini cutting across the ten INEC-gazetted Wards.

The event which took place at Ikpe Ikpe Nkon, Ini LGA was attended by female appointees of Government, female councillors, supervisors, party Women Leaders, MPM Ward Women Coordnators, female stakeholders across the Wards and other women.

While appreciating the Governor for the peace enjoyed in the state, she noted that the parley was in appreciation to God for the peaceful and successful outcome of the party nomination exercise which she came out successful alongside others.

"The first meeting I held was for my core supporters and today's event is for every supporter of the PDP irrespective of whoever you supported", she said.

She admonished all party candidates in the area to carry everyone along in their scheme of things, stressing that the Party’s umbrella is big enough to accommodate everyone and charged the participants to come together in unity and oneness ahead of the 2023 general elections.

She further charged the women to go out in their numbers and register in the ongoing INEC registration exercise to enable them vote all candidates of PDP at next year's general elections.

Also speaking, the Ini Chapter Chairman of PDP, Hon. Emmanuel Uma while appreciating the erstwhile Commissioner for hosting the women, advised the participants to take the ongoing INEC registration exercise seriously and be steadfast in their support for the party.

The Ini State Constituency candidate of the PDP, Mr. Lawrence Udoide charged the women to uphold their dignity . He promised to work in synergy with Dr. Glory Edet for a better Ini LGA.

Others who also spoke glowingly about the gesture and competence of Dr. Glory Edet were, Hon. Victoria Monday, Ward 11 Councill, onbehalf of female councillors/female government appointees and a host of others.

Highpoint of the event was the sensitization on the INEC registration exercise and largesse to the women.

Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Akwa Ibom State branch, a conglomeration of technicians across Akwa Ibom state has declared support for the PDP Gubernatorial candidate in Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno.

The group made its position known, on Monday in Uyo, during a live radio programme anchored by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Mr. Essien Ndueso.

Stating reasons for throwing their weight behind Umo Eno, the newly elected State Chairman of NATA, Comrade Francis Charles Eka and his predecessor Comrade Aloysius John(JP) who confirmed the solidarity of the technicians for Umo Eno, disclosed that since he's from the private sector, Pastor Eno fully understands how to utilize scarce resources for optimum benefits of all.

They were certain that with Governor Emmanuel's good governance disposition in the past seven years, his choice of Umo Eno as his sucessor can never be faulted, as they were hopeful that he will follow his footsteps and even do better when he mounts the saddle in 2023.

According to Comrade Aloysius John, Governor Udom is the only governor that brought NATA to limelight and recommended them, and since he chose Umo Eno to succeed him, there's no doubt that he would follow his predecessor's footsteps.

They recounted that during the Akwa Ibom state Investment Summit last week Thursday, Pastor Umo Eno promised to promote the economic growth of the state by sending automobile technicians out for training, and to provide modern diagnostic machines to ease their operations and prevent people from always going outside the state to people to fix their cars.

"He's always talking about how to boost business and how to stimulate economic activities and he specifically mentioned mechanics, how he could get a diagnostic machine for them, so it can make their work easier and sophisticated, so that people would not have to wait for spare parts from Germany".

Still speaking on NATA's support for Umo Eno, Comrade Francis revealed that technicians across the state yearn for Umo Eno as governor because he is always talking about developing the business sectors and training the automobile technicians.

He complained that the problem they are having is lack of trained personnels in the field.
"If you check closely, those who could repair Peugeot then, cannot repair the Peugeot we have now because they are not exposed to training on how to repair the latest version of Peugeot, and we also have cars that are hybrid-driven which need trained personnels to handle".

Comrade Francis joined
he explained that by training the technicians which Umo Eno has promised, they are bound to train others to become efficient in the field to avoid bringing people from outside to repair cars and equally increase people's interests to purchase cars because of assurances that they have capable technicians in the state to handle their cars for them and the technicians in turn will make more income.

Comrade Francis Eka urged all the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association across the state and all entrepreneurs to register and get their PVCs to enable the support Umo Eno as governor
" Umo Eno is an entrepreneurial person and we need him to be our governor and we urge our people out there to get their PVC and get ready to vote Umo Eno and be rest assured that he will do everything he has promised" he said.

By Emediong Bassey

…PLOT TO BUY NYENIME ANDY’S TICKET THICKENS


A meeting by Senator Bassey Albert with some former lawmakers and other party stalwarts of the PDP has met a deadlock with the mass rejection of the Uyo senator’s offer to them in exchange for defections to the Young Peoples Party.

Bassey Albert reportedly dangled some money before them, promising to take care of them, as soon as he defects to the YPP on the 17th of July.

Bassey who is alleged to have pegged entry fees of N200,000 each for the PDP delegates.

Our investigations reveal that Senator Bassey’s overtures were rejected by the PDP chieftains who reminded him that YPP has no structure in the state and would find it difficult to match the prowess of the PDP and its candidates.

OBA was to tell them point blankly that he will spend enough money to put up a structure across the entire state.

He promised a monthly fee of N20,000 to those he tagged as unit canvassers to deliver the entire state to his new party.

Last week, news had broke on the media that the defeated PDP aspirant was ready to break the banks to secure the YPP governorship ticket from the original candidate, Pastor Nyenime Andy.

The report alleged that Senator Albert was ready to offer N50m to Pastor Andy to buy off that YPP ticket which the Uyo based cleric had clearly won.

“Pls Oba had a meeting with PDP delegates yesterday and said he’ll leave to YPP on 17th and wants them to join him that he’ll pay them and has billions to spend.

Sources close to Pastor Andy said the cleric was a man of integrity and would not accept any offer from any greedy politician to trade his mandate.

“Our Pastor can not sell his ticket to Oba, how can he explain to us if he accepts such corrupt offer,infact most members of his church would leave the church immediately.”

The gap tooth Ibiono Ibom born Senator is said to have sponsored no lesser than seven litigations to aimed at bringing the PDP to its knees before jumping ship to the YPP.

So far only some aspirants who lost in the PDP, have agreed to follow him to the Young Peoples Party.

Usoro Akpanusoh, Emmanuel UkpongUdo, Usenobong Akpabio, lead the pack of aggrieved PDP members that have set their sight on the new party.

...demands apology from APC


Attempts by Senator Godswill Akpabio's faction of the APC to robe in other political parties in their purported protest against the Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Mike Igini has been resisted by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC.

Recall that on Wednesday, some protesters believed to be hired by a faction of the APC loyal to Senator Akpabio, had gathered at Udo Udoma Avenue calling for the removal of Igini for not dancing to their tune.

The APC faction had claimed that aside its party, other political parties were part of the protest, a claim that has been refuted by IPAC.

Distancing itself from the statement credited to APC, IPAC called on the opposition party, APC to immediately retract the statement and issue an apology to it.

IPAC disclosed that there was never a time the APC in the state approached the Council with any complain against the INEC REC, Mr. Mike Igini, let alone discussing or agreeing on any protest of any sort against the Resident Electoral Commissioner.


The Council has therefore urged the opposition party to channel it's grievance to appropriate quarters rather than dragging it into their internal crisis.

The statement reads; "The attention of the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria IPAC, Akwa Ibom State, has been drawn to the speculation making the round that the purported protests carried out by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State seeking the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini, was the position of all the seventeen (17) political parties in the State except the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
We wish to state categorically that:"

"Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria in Akwa Ibom State is the umbrella body of all registered political parties in the State saddled with the responsibility of playing dialogue and advisory roles on Inter-Party related matters, as well settling internal rancour between political parties"

"There was never a time the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the State approached the council with any complain against Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner , talkless of discussing or agreeing on protest of any sort against the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini".

"It is however misleading, untrue and unfounded for APC youths in the State to purport that the protest was a combination of all the political parties in the State. It is for the above reason that IPAC calls for immediate and unconditional retraction of the offending statement and apologies from APC in the State, for dragging the council into their internal party affairs with Mr. Mike Igini".

"We want to place on record thet over the years IPAC has enjoyed a healthy working relationship with Independent National Electoral Commission in the State. We advise the All Progressives Congress in the State to look for ways to resolve their internal conflicts as other political parties in the state are doing without involving innocent third parties like INEC".

"APC should channel their complaints and grievances to appropriate quarters rather than dragging Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria in Akwa Ibom State into their crisis".

"IPAC will continue to interface with the Independent National Electoral Commission Akwa Ibom State and other stakeholders and other law abiding political parties in the State for the growth and betterment of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large"

"IPAC however calls on all political parties in Akwa Ibom State to remain calm and play by the rules governing the 2023 general elections given by INEC in strict adherence with the electoral laws. We also call on Akwa Ibom youths, women and elders to get their Permanent Voter's Card and vote for the party of their choice for a more secured future".


In another development, another group of protesters, Friday stormed the streets of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital in a counter protest against the Godswill Akpabio faction of the APC with packards, drumming support for Mike Igini.

Akwa Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Umo Eno has reiterated the need to stimulate small and medium scale enterprises to enhance economic growth and stability.

Pastor Eno stated this at the Akwa Ibom investment summit 2022 organised by Akwa Ibom Business Community (AIBC) held in Uyo, the state capital.

He noted that it was necessary to rejig the local economy and create jobs for the youths whom he said are strong and capable, adding that to effectively manage security, the youths must have job opportunities that would meaningfully engage their minds and times.

The governorship hopeful noted that Akwa Ibom state is an emerging and vibrant commercial centre in Nigeria with abundant human and material resources, adding that the state has enormous potentials that can engender sustainable growth and development if well harnessed.


According to him, "the state is home to a large number of youths.  Revenue from petroleum has been the mainstay of the Akwa Ibom State economy as it is one of the major producers of oil and gas in the country. It is known for its rich natural resources in agriculture, mineral resources, arable land mass and forestry.

"With a vast array of diverse water bodies with innumerable aquatic resources as well as robust mangrove and swamp forest resources suitable for large scale agricultural ventures, the state could undoubtedly be said to be an extremely resource-rich state."

He noted with delight, that the state has been blessed with visionary and pragmatic leaders, stressing that the  numerous achievements of the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration have shown, in practical terms, that development is possible.

Pastor Eno who is a seasoned entrepreneur with bold imprint in the hospitality industry, maintained that sustainable economic growth and development in the state hinges greatly on deepening the laudable actions, efforts and strategies of past administrations.

He commended the organizers of the summit for the initiative, and expressed hope that the outcome of the summit will visibly impact the economy of the State.

Earlier, the Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Akpan Ekpo who also applauded AIBC for the organising the summit which he described as timely, stated that the Nigerian nation is going through enormous socioeconomic and political challenges.

He noted that some of the challenges are domestically induced while others are due to external shocks such as the covid-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war, maintaining that almost all relevant economic indicators like unemployment, inflation, poverty reduction, provision of basic necessities of life, security and others are moving in the wrong direction.

While emphasising on the role of government or the public sector in the development process, he noted that for accelerated growth and development, the public sector must be dominant in any mix to a point where the private sector takes over.

He advised that to change the current slide, men of  vision, integrity, can-do spirit and genuine love for the people should be voted in at all levels.

High point of the event was the official unveiling of a business support scheme, the Umo Eno business support programme, co-pioneered by Prof Chris Ekpenyong and Sen Aloysius Etok.

The investment loving PDP Candidate donated 5 million naira for the scheme.

The 2023 Governorship Candidate of Young Progressive Party in Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Nyenime Andy has allegedly turned down a N50 million settlement offered him by embattled PDP governorship aspirant Senator Bassey Albert.

Senator Albert representing Akwa Ibom North East in the Senate contested and lost the PDP ticket to Pastor Umo Eno.

According to investigations, he is currently mounting pressure on the Seer of Holy Ghost Ambassadors, Pastor Andy to surrender his governorship ticket at a mouth watering offer of N50million.

The 2022 electoral Act has placed July 15 as the deadline for political parties to ensure that all necessary changes are done especially in issues of Guber candidates and their running mates.

The Electoral Act also made it clear that political parties cannot change candidates except they willingly step down or are incapacitated by death or ill health.

Confronted with the dilemma according to information reaching our correspondent, Pastor Andy has dismissed the bribe as an insult from Senator Bassey Albert Akpan.

“As a revered man of God, our Papa cannot accept bribe to sell his mandate to anybody. He knows this will affect his moral standing in the court of public opinion and cast doubts on his actual calling as an anointed man of God.

“We are praying everyday in church and we believe Papa Andy will win the election as God had revealed. Nobody can buy that mandate”, a source close to the Clergy told our reporter.

OBA our sources said after exhaustive appeal and persuasion without success decided to approach the national leaders of the party to either persuade pastor Andy to pick the offer and surrender the ticket or try other options to oust him from the parry.

Youthful Pastor Nyenime Andy who pastors Holy Ghost Ambassadors Church located at Ekpanya street in Uyo has no political experience at any level before now.

A known friend and supporter of OBA before the present face off, it is not clear if the pastor will see the present scenario as the best opportunity to cash out from the Senator who appears bent on doing anything to get to the Hilltop mansion.

A school of thought has it that the church overseer who has been struggling with his church building project for over 10years without success, may eventually find it difficult to resist the offer of Obong Albert who appears ready to break the banks.

“When OBA is ready he will return to negotiating table with our pastor and let him know that the Akpabio/ Ekpoudom drama orchestrated by National Chairman of APC won't work so going to the national leaders to forcefully grab the ticket will only worsen the situation on ground for him “, James Okon a public affairs analyst who pleaded anonymity opined.

"Ignorance speaks loudly, so as to be heard; but its volume proves reason to doubt every word.” – Wes Fessler.

When desperation is laced with ignorance, it makes a fool out of the man who has chosen such path. True to the words of Johann Wolfang "There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.”
The reason is not far fetched. The outcome will always be error magnified in false glory. Quite threatening is the fact that Akan Okon has not yet realized that as he is dancing naked in the market square of politics, his kinsmen are already suffocated with shame. This is in alignment with the saying in our local parlance that it is the kinsmen of a mad man that feel the shame and not the mad man.

The man who was in charge of the ministry of special duties and then the Economic Development and Ibom Deep Sea project has been in the news of late, albeit not for good reasons. His recent familiarity with the media is not unconnected with the outcome of the governorship primary in the state. Dissatisfied with his poor outing, instead of accepting defeat honourably as would be expected of a man of his stature and status, he is running from pillar to pole, looking for whom to blame.

It is quite disheartening that this is coming from a man who is assumed to be enlightened in the school of politics, by virtue of his positions in the state since the birth of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

Akan Okon should know the working of government better than others. He has been in government close to a decade now, piloting the affairs of different ministries. He has benefitted from Udom's administration more than others, and should be ruled by knowledge gathered. But it is like too much knowledge is making some people mad, a familiar line in the Book of Acts.

Little wonder Confucius observed that ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon or star.”

The other day he was sighted in Ghana where he had gone to the Headquarters of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to verify his claim that Pst Umo Eno, the governorship candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), his one time colleague in the State Executive Council does not have a valid West African Senior Secondary School Certificate.

This was a proof that his claims were based on hearsay. Where did he get the information from in the first place? He would have verified from the Examination body before accusing someone.

And not only has he goofed in this, he is also basking in the euphoria of prophecy from self-installed prophets who claimed God had ordained him to be the governor. Despite the fact that he failed to get the party's ticket, he is still wabbling in ignorance and the illusion of such prophecy. The earlier he wakes up from this illusionary dream likened to a mirage, the better for him and his life.

Already, he has wasted some months pursuing his shadow in the name of instituting court cases against a man who is doing his best to promote the Arise Agenda, a flagship of the plans to effect a people-oriented government.

Akan Okon has not left any stone unturned in ensuring that he releases any information he feels will be damaging to the Udom Emmanuel administration and paid media hirelings to attack the government at every turn, yet the ship is sailing gently, steadily and unperturbed to the shore.

Like Ralph Perry said, "Ignorance deprives people of freedom because they do not know what alternatives there are.” Akan Okon is already blinded by hired crowds who are still hailing him to his doom. He should back out while he yet have an opportunity to redeem the respect he has damaged through pressing the self-destructive button.

The worst form of battle to engage in is one where one is not sure of winning. Whoever is pushing Akan Okon to this "war" does not wish well for him. Whether this is done out of ignorance, confusion or fear of accepting defeat, he cannot eat his cake and have it.

"The Yoruba will say that you cannot merchandise sand and refuse to collect stones as payment; something that Pete Edochie, in his striking local proverbs on Twitter, expressed as, “a man who puts local gin in a Hennessey bottle may deceive onlookers but not his own throat.” The end will tell.

Governor Udom Emmanuel's sustained efforts on facilitation and actualisation of projects across the state has been applauded by the Civil Liberties Organization.

At a commemorative lecture Tuesday, tagged "The Role of Civil Society Organisations in Deepening Democracy in Akwa Ibom State" the group expressed satisfaction with the projects executed by Governor Emmanuel, stating that more than 50 major road projects were inspected and found to be either completed or at various stages of completion.

Presenting their report during the lecture which was also to mark the 2022 Democracy Day, held at Nigeria Union of Journalists , Press Centre, the CLO noted that the organisation had embarked on a three-month tracking of projects executed and/or facilitated by the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He explained that the CLO team visited and inspected projects cutting across Works, Health, Aviation, Environment, Education, Agriculture and Industry for first-hand information on the projects.

The resolution which was endorsed by the Chairman Franklyn Isong and read by the Secretary Barr. Christopher Ekpo, indicated that the CLO team visited the Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company, Kings Flour Mill, Metering Solutions Company, St. Gabriel Coconut Refinery, Lion Plywood Company, Rice Mill in Ini, the Plastic Making Factory, Tissue Making Factory, the Automobile Manufacturing Plant and 21-Storey Dakkada Towers.

"On Aviation, we visited the New International Terminal Building and the Maintain, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Facility at the Victor Attah International Airport and Ibom Air.


"On Health Sector, the CLO visited the rehabilitated general hospitals in Etinan, Iquita-Oron, Ikot Okoro, ONNA, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, Ituk Mbang and Ikot Abasi.


"On Works, the CLO team visited the following road projects:Dualisation of 20km Uyo – Etinan Road in Uyo/Etinan LGAs;Ikot Oku Ikono Flyover in Uyo LGA;Etinan Roundabout in Etinan LGA;Dualisation of 9.5km Ring Road III Cutting across Aka Road– Oron Road – Nwaniba Road with 3 Nos Roundabouts in Uyo/Ibesikpo LGAs;Dualisation of 29km Etinan – Ndon Eyo Road with 2 Nos. Bridges and spur from Mbioto Ekpene - Ituen – Ikot Akpan Ishiet Junction in Etinan/ONNA LGA,1Km Odoro Ikpe – Ikpe Ikot Nton – Obotme – Arochukwu with 110m span Bridge through APFA in Ini among others."



The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga un his remarks applauded the CLO for her commitment to the advancement of democracy in Nigeria, adding that there is need for credible institutions like CLO to advance their roles as watchdogs to both the society and Government.

"My presence in this event underscores the value and commitment of Akwa Ibom State Government to democracy, and institutions whose work deepen the practice of democracy in our society.

"I have been following the activities of the Civil Liberty Organization and I must say that we deeply appreciate your roles in ensuring that both the Government and people of not just Akwa Ibom State but Nigeria, uphold human rights and Democratic tenets.

" We appreciate the regular participation of CLO in public hearings, contribution to bills that are deliberated by the legislature, and tracking of Government Projects. Those are very noble activities of CLO and we commend you".he added.

The keynote speaker, a Professor of Broadcasting, Political and Development Communication and the Head, Department of Film and Multimedia Studies, University of Uyo. Prof. Charles Obot, during his lecture said that the role of the CLO is to expose corrupt conduct of public officials and lobby for good governance.

He further said the should involve in political training and discipleship, teach tolerance and also protection of life's of citizens.

The paramount ruler of Udung Uko, Edidem Bassey Etim Edet, who represented the father of the day, The President-General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council & Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon D. Etuk, thanked CLO for their efforts to deepen democracy and promoting development in Akwa Ibom State.

He thanked them for complimenting Government efforts noting that no responsive Government can ignore the advice of CLO especially as election period draws near and urged them to work with the government to achieve greater heights.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of Civil Liberty Organization in Akwa Ibom State, Otuekong Franklyn Isong said that there's need for civil society groups in the State to shift from the known paradigm towards an active role in ensuring good governance.

He further said that having fought for the enthronement of democracy, civil society groups must now work on the government and the people to harness participatory democracy insisting that government must be held accountable in the aspect of giving to the people the dividends of democracy.

... Rebukes his childish behavior, mannerisms in Court


The Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot today berated Barr. Inibehe Effiong with a threat to sue him for contempt of Court.


This followed Effiong's unruly behavior during the Court proceeding in the case between Mr. Udom Emmanuel (claimant) and Leo Ekpenyong (defendant) of charge number HU/279/2019 Inibehe Effiong who challenged the Judge's ruling, rudely told the Judge that he suspects bias in her ruling whereas, the case had long been established and cleared by the Court and was about being closed.

Inibehe who had filed a motion against the existing ruling of the Court was told plainly that one cannot raise a motion and expect it to be addressed the same day. This made Inibehe yell in Court like one who's birthright was being snatched from him.

The Judge faulted his childish behavior and at intervals, threatened to send him to jail. Irked by his action, the Justice Obot further chided the young practitioner for always being pensive, impatient and legally unstable in court, an attitude she noted was unbecoming of a legal professional. He further scolded Effiong for not being in tune with legal proceedings and advised him to do so precariously.

Despite the experienced gamut of professional advice, Inibehe Effiong was still interjecting and interrupting the Judge with objections and counter-motions without a care. Obviously worried by the nonchalance of the adamant Effiong, the Judge kept praying: "God please help me so I don't send this man to jail".

People who observed the proceedings also attested that the attitude of the young Lawyer was alien to the judicial system, describing it as a show of disregard to the Judge as well as the Court.

The case which was meant to have been closed today was further adjourned to 29th of July, 2022, for closure by the claimant.

Rev. Richard Peters stood in as the last witness on the case for the claimant, Governor Udom Emmanuel.