₦airaland Forum

It has been uncovered that the forensic expert allegedly recruited by Mr Akan Okon to publish fake forensic reports on Pastor Umo Eno’s Senior School Certificate Examination, is a known indicted fraudster with several records of criminally related activities.

Award winning journalist, Anietie Usen, disclosed that, “the forensic expert that SAHARA REPORTERS so lavishly quoted and relied on for their ‘breaking news’ is the same Jideoni Charles that most Nigerian journalists, newspapers and Television stations are familiar with.”

Sahara Reporters had days ago quoted Jideoni as a forensic expert who exposed the lies about Pastor Eno’s Senior School Examination certificates; but Usen, a former general editor of NewsWatch Magazine disclosed that, Jideoni Charles is a confirmed internet fraudster who was indicted and paraded by EFCC.

Akan Okon who is challenging Pastor Eno’s candidacy as PDP governorship flag bearer in Akwa Ibom state, is said to be investing heavily in sponsoring fake media reports against Pastor Eno.

The publisher of a local newspaper in the State, The Mail Newspaper, has recently been invited by the police for publishing a fake report against the certificates of the governorship candidate, after the West African Examination Council had disowned the said report.


Jideoni, the source of the current forensic report, is an impostor who previously paraded himself for a long time as both a “Professor of English and a Professor of Graphognomy (Handwriting Analysis)” in the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, until the University denounced and disowned him in 2019.

The University had disowned Jideoni as a fraudulent character who was neither a lecturer or professor in the university, in the past or present.

OAU in a statement through Abiodun Olanrewaju its Director of Public Relations had said that , “Having gone through our records, nobody bears that name, whether a male or a female. We do not have a record of anybody with that name who is teaching or has taught in this institution…He was never a lecturer or non-teaching staff of OAU”.

Mr Anietie Usen also faulted Jideoni’s claim on his Facebook page that he was the
“National President, Institute of Graphoanalysts , Nigeria.

“Surprisingly, SAHARA REPORTERS does not know that there is no institute like that in Nigeria. My independent investigations, as a journalist, confirms that Graphology is the analysis of handwriting with attempt to determine someone's personality traits, NOT FORGERY.

“Here are other claims made by the fake Professor Jideoni Charles to warrant the defamation of the character of Pastor Umo Eno by SAHARA REPORTERS and their paymasters. According to his (Jideoni Charles) Facebook profile, he is also the “Doctrinal Head, The Universal Philosophers' New-World, Author, 'The Universal Natural Laws', and Originator & CEO, JC WEALTHY GENERATION CONCEPTS, Consultant Numerologist, Originator, Onigraffiks writting (sic) system”, etc.

“ From above, it seems to me that SAHARA REPORTERS actually relied on a soothsayer to tell them about Pastor Eno and his wrongdoing. What a brand of journalism!

“However, it is the issue of the JC WEALTHY GENERATION CONCEPTS that landed Jideoni Charles and 12 others in EFCC jail in Ibadan for internet fraud and later, before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, of the Federal High Court, Southwest zone, Lagos, on Wednesday, September 4, 2019.

“Jideoni’s arraignment was sequel to the EFCC’s damning findings about the activities of an illegal financial outfit Jideoni floated through which he allegedly swindled his victims of several millions of naira. One of the 12 Jideoni’s accomplices, Oyewunmi Toulope Michael, (aka Gold Crumb), however, opted for a plea bargain and pleaded guilty to a one-count amended charge of fraudulent impersonation. He was subsequently sentenced to one year imprisonment. Justice Oweibo granted Jideoni bail to the tune of N10 million and two sureties in like sum.

“That was the last time Jideoni made headline news before he resurfaced days ago in SAHARA REPORTERS as a forensic expert and National President, Institute of Graphoanalysts, Nigeria (IGAN), a non-existent institute.

“Before his brush with the EFCC, however, the same Jideoni as a writer of horoscope, had in 2012 got himself into trouble with some Nigerian clerics after he publicly proposed that ‘men should sample several women sexually before marriage” because he himself ‘had sex with over 350 women when he was active in the game”

Anietie Usen expressed shock that any brand of journalism or publication would degenerate to the point of falling prey and being weaponized by fraudsters and shallow politicians to lynch and defame the character of an otherwise very decent, innocent and godly man like Pastor Umo Eno.

A Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has given the Governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, and the State Chairman of the party, Pastor Nyenime Andy 48hours to file amended processes in a case instituted against them by a member of the party and Governorship aspirant, Barr. Alexander Asuquo.

Barr Alexander Asuquo had dragged Senator Bassey Albert to court to stop Albert from inheriting the Young Progressives Party ticket from the party chairman, Pastor Nyenime Andy.

The Court presided over by Justice A.A. Okeke on Tuesday summoned Bassey Albert popularly referred to as OBA and the Chairman of the party, Pastor Andy after asking them to be served with substituted service.

The duo of N. B. E. Wigwe and Uchegbu had earlier filed processes for YPP, Pastor Andy and Senator Albert however when the case came up before Justice Okeke on Tuesday, the YPP Governorship candidate announced a change of his defense counsel with Ime Nya Asanga alongside Jerry Akpan, who appealed to withdraw the earlier process filed on Sen Bassey Albert’s behalf.

The Court ordered YPP and the State Chairman to file their amended processes within 48 hours and asked the Plaintiff to respond within 24 hours of being served with the new process.


The Court had adjourned sitting to Tuesday, August 30, 2022, for hearing after ordering court summon to be served on Albert and Andy, while hearing notice was ordered to be served on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and YPP.

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

YPP had earlier submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the name of the state party Chairman, Nyenime Andy, as its Governorship Candidate.

The plaintiff is seeking judicial interpretation to questions bordering on whether the state chairman of the party can validly use his 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 an aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, the aspirant, Mr Alexander Asuquo said, “besides challenging the legality of the chairman's action, he wants the court to determine if after filling and submitting a nomination form in PDP, Bassey Albert can be validly nominated by YPP in view of the provisions of Section 35 of the Electoral Act 2022.

“I'm not just a member but a gubernatorial aspirant under YPP who was received into the party by Dr. Andy himself.

More groups in Akwa Ibom State have carpeted a senior lawyer, Femi Falana and other engaging in actions against the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, calling for an end to the insults.

President of Afid Iwad Ekid,
Mr Etienne Bob told a news conference in Uyo Wednesday that Falana’s recent utterances and actions were inimical to the growth and the long standing respect for seniors that the judiciary is known.

Bob expressed suprise that a lawyer of long standing repute as Falana could join in instituting a suit against a Judge over a judgement passed on a junior lawyer who disrespected the court during proceeding.

The president reasoned that Falana could have appealed against the judgement rather than supporting a junior lawyer who displayed unwarranted radicalism during proceeding, sued a chief judge and called on him to refrain from his actions which have began to constitute a nuisance to the prevailing peace in the State.

He also called on Effiong, who is due to leave the prison next week to exercise restraint and learn how to obey his seniors in the profession inorder for him to grow and enjoy his career.

In the light of the above, a group of like minds, Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance says it is deeply grieved by the continuous projection of Akwa Ibom Sate and the State Judiciary in negative lights by persons who are deliberately out to drag the reputation of the people of the state in the mud. The group during a media interaction in Uyo, Thursday described as sad the current development since the take over of the libel suit involving Mr. Leo Ekpenyong by his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong.

Giving a background of the case, Chairman of the group, Barr. Stephen Abia recalled that on the 27th of July, 2022, counsel to Leo Ekpenyong in the said libel case, Mr. Inibehe Effiong was sentenced to jail term of 30 days by the court for contempt.

Abia explained that Ekpenyong's defense counsel had displayed gross disrespect towards the court, reason he was shown disciplined by the court.

But Abia is worried that the incidence has triggered series of uninformed reactions, one being the institution of a legal matter by a group of lawyers against the Chief Judge of the state.

Mr. Abia also called on the security agencies to be alert and close in on those who choose to hide under the guise of politics to plot mayhem in the state.


"Without any equivocation, it should be on record that the said legal processes adorning the media space is completely misplaced. While we sympathize with Mr. Inibehe Effiong on his predicament, Mr. Femi Falana and Co. need be reminded that Mr. Effiong is not under detention of any sort, rather, serving a jail or prison term. Having made the instant conviction, the Judge is naturally functus on that matter. Is it not common-sensical that the right of a convict terminates the moment he his convicted, and would only be exhumed on appeal? The current move is, summarily, an abuse of court process"

"The allegation that the Chief Judge has refused to release the Certified True Copy of the court proceedings is clearly only within the imagination of the speculators. Lawyers know the realities on ground, and know how to get court proceedings. It is the usual practice that the Chief Judge is under a legal obligation to give his ruling to the Assistant Court Registrar for certification to the applicants. I am sure Inibehe’s case cannot be an exception. The questions one would naturally ask at this point are: Is the Chief Judge responsible for the issuing of CTCs of judgments? Is there any express order from the Chief Judge denying access to the proceedings? Can we not, therefore, see that this is clearly an administrative function?"

"Why the lawyers led by Falana, SAN, are out to sue the Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge beats one’s imagination.

“Was it right for the young lawyer to question the constitutional majesty of the court? We are even so moved to ask whether judges in Yoruba land are usually sued for delivering judgments when such are not in favour of a certain party, or is Akwa Ibom state the Guinea Pig for wrong precedents? The media-hype-style of litigation commonly associated with some lawyers at the point of filing proceedings, and nothing more, is only meant to deceive the masses and laymen, and again, play to the gallery".


On the case before him, the Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance reminded Inibehe that 90 days await him to appeal against the judgement, and wondered why he resorts to instituting a case against the person of the Chief Judge. Abia maintained that the group would resist any attempt to belittle the state, warning those behind the plot to drag the state in the mud to have a rethink.



"The truth we need to tell ourselves is that Mr. Inibehe Effiong has 90 days to Appeal against the judgment. That is the law. So, why this suit against the State Chief Judge? Again, lawyers know that the fact that you have filed an appeal in less than one month does not guarantee that the appeal will be heard immediately. We know this truth. We know the reality in appellate practice. This suit is, therefore, a storm in the tea cup, or trying to make a mountain out of a molehill! It serves only to impress the public", the group added.

A new dimension has been introduced to the ongoing electioneering process in Akwa ibom state with a fresh death sentence extended to a cleric of African church extraction Rev. Richard Peters to henceforth stop further open campaign for pastor Umo Eno or have his life cut short by single bullet.
In a recorded phone call made available to our Reporter the Cultist which True Caller captured as Aro Executioner was heard warning Rev Peters to henceforth quit further write ups in support of Umo Eno as they have had enough of it.

They also accused him of allegedly writing against their Boss and mentor (name withheld) who lost the governorship ticket to Umo Eno and jumped to another party and picked their ticket in desperate attempt to contest 2023 governorship election.
According to the recorded voice note played to our reporter, the cultist was over heard warning Rev Peters to count his days if he fails to adhere to their advise .
” We have been monitoring you and know your movements, it won’t take us more than a bullet to waste you but am advising you as a ”brother” to stay clear because this election will come and go and this is our last warning to you”

Read more... � �
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…Urges Justice Obot to Transfer Case to Another court

A group, Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance has described as condemnable, scarilegious and an abuse of democracy, recent unruly behavior exhibited by a lawyer, Barr. Inibehe Effiong in court during an ongoing libel suit instituted against one Mr. Leo Ekpenyong.

The group has also urged the President, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Olumide Akpata, Esq to caution Inibehe Effiong accordingly, following his fragrant disregard to decency in the court.

Addressing newsmen, Sunday in Uyo, Chairman of the group, Barr. Stephen Abia who frowned at what he described as Inibehe's contemptuous conduct, posited that Justice Ekaette Obot transfers the matter to another judge, to avoid the continuous insolent behavior of Mr Effiong towards her.

“To avoid a continuous desecration of the temple of justice of which the Honourable Chief Judge remains the chief priest, especially, taken for granted that our learned friend, Mr. Inibehe Effiong, may not in truth be purged of such unfortunate contemptuous displays towards the court in cheap attempts to play to the gallery, we most humbly seek the relief of the Honourable State Chief Judge to consider being recused of the matter as he continues to jealously guard and protect the sanctity of the justice delivery machineries in Akwa Ibom State.”

The group enjoined members of the public to disregard what he observed as false information being propagated by those he described as miscreants.

Recall that Akwa Ibom State High Court presided over by the State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot had last week ordered that Inibehe Effiong be remanded in jail term for one month over contemptuous and insulting behavior in court.

The Judge had ruled that Inibehe be sent to the correctional facility to purge himself of insolence and dishonorable acts that tend to bring the court to disrepute.

Barr Abia however noted that while democracy encourages human freedom such as the right to expression, Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance believes that such rights should not be abused or used for the purpose of destroying societal cohesion and "our fledgling democracy, which is the responsibility of every state to protect in consonance with Aristotle’s postulate in his Nichomachean Ethics that, “the state is a necessary condition of a good life.”

He maintained that, “The Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance had earlier urged the President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, Esq. to caution Inibehe accordingly, following his fragrant disregard to decency which he constantly exhibits at the court during the ongoing libel suit instituted against one Mr. Leo Ekpenyong."

"We could recall that in 2019, following the victory of Governor Udom Emmanuel at the tribunal and the victory of Senator Chris Ekpenyong over Senator Godswill Akpabio at the tribunal and Court of Appeal, Leo Ekpenyong inundated the media in August 2019 with claims that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel bribed the tribunal judges to the tune of $1.5 Million Dollars to secure judgment in favour of Dr. Chris Ekpenyong. The said publication titled, “Justice for Sale in Akwa Ibom State National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal”.

"The Governor, through the then Attorney General, Uwemedimo Nwoko wrote and urged Barr Ekpenyong to retract that story and apologize to the Governor, failure of which would lead to legal actions. Leo Ekpenyong insisted that he stood by his allegations against the Governor and insisted that he had further evidence to show the world that the Governor bought the judgement. Rather than show remorse, Ekpenyong went on to our vituperations on the person of the Governor and the learned silk, Uwemedimo Nwoko,SAN, calling them disdainful names and threatening to publish his investigative reports with the national judicial council".

"The Governor through his counsel, Barr. Samuel Ikpo filed a case of defamation against Leo Ekpenyong at the State High court in September 2019. Leo Ekpenyong neither made any appearance in court, nor did he send his representative Barr Patrick Umoh, despite being dully served. The court later ruled on December 15, 2020 that Leo Ekpenyong should pay a fine of N1Billion to the Governor as damages for libel".

"Leo Ekpenyong then contracted another lawyer, Inibehe Effiong who later came to the Court praying to the court to reverse the judgment, that he was ready to make an appearance and defend his case. The court presided over by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot graciously granted the sought prayers: reversed the previous judgment, hence, affording the defendant ample opportunity to put up defense accordingly— it is unfortunate that the revered Chief Judge was opening bare the courtroom for the legal counsel to Leo Ekpenyong in the person of Inibehe Effiong, Esq. to abuse the judge severally, throw tantrums at the court, and later alleged that the judge was biased, and so, should be recused from the case.
As a background, it is instructive to note the Court, on July 27, was entertaining the last witness brought by the prosecution counsel, when Inibehe Effiong put up some discouraging attitude. A certain reporter with Premium Times, Saviour Imukudo was caught video recording the session with his mobile phone, against courts protocol. Resultantly, the phone was confiscated and the reporter ordered to leave the courtroom by the judge.

"In his usual juvenile disposition, Inibehe insisted that the judge should rule on a motion he had earlier moved, for the judge to recuse self from the case and that he was not comfortable with the presence of law enforcement officers in the courtroom"

"In her prerogative, Justice Ekaette Obot insisted on going on with the case, prompting Inibehe to start accusing her of bias and unfair handling of the case. Barr Effiong had despite repeated warnings from the State Chief Judge, constantly acerbic words on the Judge, alleging that she was taking the matter personal and also queried her decision to send the journalist out of the courtroom".

Rising in defense of the Chief Judge, the group maintained that the decision by Justice Obot to commit the unruly lawyer to prison for his contemptuous conduct before the Chief Judge was in court, was in order, as that would serve as deterrent to Barr. Inibehe and his likes, as the continuous desecration of the temple of justice cannot be tolerated.

Abia said the sanctity of the court must be upheld at all times.

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.