AKWA IBOM INVASION II: ABDUCTION OF MR. IME UWAH AND MATTERS ARISING

Barely four months after men of the DSS raided the Akwa Ibom state government house in search of what they are yet to tell the world as justification for their "lawful desecration" of the hilltop mansion, men claiming to be of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) stormed Akwa Ibom State again to the embarrassment of Akwa Ibom state government and people still.
This time around the men came like a thief in the night arriving on night of Monday 22nd February, 2016  with a search warrant that ordered them to search any discovered environment or premises owned or connected to Mr. Ime Uwah, the Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Marketing and Brand Management.
The officers, who arrived Uyo in a Toyota Hiace bus with a Lagos state registration number EY 527 KJA, were reportedly detailed to arrest the Governor’s aide over allegation by some anonymous petitioner that he owns a property where he stores ammunitions and uniforms of various armed forces which he intends to use during the rerun election in Akwa Ibom.
So they proceeded with the search through Uwah’s most popular business centre -  Eni Stores and Eni Gardens, his residence and finally his farm along Akwa Ibom Airport Road and found nothing. Trouble, however, began when they refused to release the Governor’s Aide, insisting to take him to Lagos nay some unknown destination for further interrogation. But the Akwa Ibom youths in their ever vigilant nature to always fight for their own especially when they believe their cause a right one resisted the move. The alleged police officers obviously did not envisage such resistance. The people were so determined to stop the police men from Lagos from taking the Governor’s aide to anywhere outside the state that it would have resulted to violence if not for the intervention of the State Police Command through the Deputy Commissioner of Police  who rushed down to arrest the situation. It was a situation where a prestigious Uyo son was allegedly abducted by unknown gunmen claiming to be men of SARS from Lagos on arrest and search operation who were in turn equally arrested by Akwa Ibom people. Upon arrival, the police boss chided the men demanding why they wanted to embarrass the state police command by embarking on such an operation without at least putting the state command in the know. That of course  is standard security protocol. The local authority must always be involved even in covert operations for ground support.
Immediately, the DCP led them to the State Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia where they held meetings behind close doors and thereafter Mr. Uwah was released.
Now, there are very serious concerns regarding this incident. First, why did the search warrant, arrest order and operatives of SARS have to come from Lagos instead of Abuja being the national head quarters or Calabar being the Zonal Division over Akwa Ibom State? Assuming without conceding that the SARS being one of the fourteen sections under the Department of Criminal Investigation which is superintended by the Deputy Inspector General - Investigation can take their operation order from anywhere in the country why did they not register their mission at the state head quarters first as standard police protocol demands? As well, why did they insist on whisking the young man at such late hour to Lagos and in a private Toyota Hiace Bus not police vehicle?
These concerns are ordinary worries in the mind of every ordinary person present at the scene that night or informed of the incident thereafter.
These concerns are inexhaustible, there is even another dimension of these concerns that should disturb the Federal Government and its security agencies as they operate in Akwa Ibom State being as follows: What if the crowd's resistance had gone so awry that the so called SARS were lynched? Perhaps, that would have been the case in more volatile climes like Oro or Anang towns where the people are always happy to lay down their lives to protect their own? What would have been the explanation the Nigeria police force would give to the families of those operatives who would have lost their lives unnecessarily- "Death in active service" right? Truth is, there is more to this than meets the eye and the proportional proclivities abound.
Even more disturbing is what the Government of Akwa Ibom state is doing about all these harassments? Last time it was government house, this time it is the Governor's Aide. Who knows who will be the target next time?
This, I must say do not portend anything good for our democracy and our security in this country. Those behind this should know that the repercussions could go either or two ways. One being that the people of Akwa Ibom State may begin to lose confidence in the ability of the state government to defend them from unnecessary harassments, human right abuses and extra judiciary operations from security agencies. After all, what can one expect from a government that cannot protect itself. Not everybody will have the capacity to provoke the attention of the masses enough to drag the state police command to address their situation at the scene or thereafter. We have many cases like that already in the Awaiting Trial section at the Nigeria prisons here in Akwa Ibom state.
On the other hand, this whole menace may lead the people of Akwa Ibom to begin to see the Federal Government of Nigeria as its mortal enemy merely because they are by political vagaries an opposition state and as such are being persecuted for it. Consequently, this will leave them with no other choice than to resort to self help. And verily, no security agency can survive the hatred and lack of cooperation of a host community let alone an entire state. What this means is that, nobody in the community would dare give information to police or even report crimes against themselves to security agencies. Identifying with security agencies will become a taboo. Police investigations will become impossible and arrests will only be possible at the risk of the life of whoever is ordered to effect such arrests. Presently, before the High Court of Akwa Ibom state - court 9, Fulga- Ikot Ekpene road precisely, is a similar case where some members of a community including the village heads and clan heads are arraigned for killing and battering police officers sent to execute search and arrest warrant in their community. According to the testimony of one of the surviving police officers they (the police) tried in vain to explain to the crowd that they came in peace to do their job. Instead the crowd (which they later discovered was hi-jacked by a vicious mob known as "Nka Mkpotiok"), believed the police were hired by their neighbouring rival community to oppress them attacked the police men so mercilessly that they had no choice but to open fire at them but the shots were ineffective. Then they called for reinforcement but even the reinforcement came and backed away after a protracted gun battle with the mob who had captured one of their officers. By the time a bigger reinforcement returned the mob had dispersed and their colleague was found dead. As one of the defense counsels I cannot go beyond this on a matter that is sub-judice than citing it as a rather minuscule example of what can befall our security agencies should they persist in harassing Akwa Ibom people unnecessarily. No one here is wont to stop the police from doing their job. Nobody is encouraging mob action rather; it is common sense. The people always react when they are pushed to the wall and right now our backs are romancing the walls.
At the risk of repetition it is pertinent to re-echo the fact that there is nothing wrong in executing search and arrests but such things should be carried out in civilized manner. It is a reproach on our security agencies in the first place to carry out sting operations on unverified intelligence reports. And it is more degrading of them to do so without civility. In other countries even when a person is under strict surveillance and investigations where his property is searched and nothing is found an apology is tendered. Security service thrives on dignity and integrity. The dignity to do their job with integrity and accept their mistakes as well as the dignity to ensure that the integrity of their actions is sure. When, the police or DSS or Military or Civil Defense begin to carry out storm searches and random arrests without due authentication as to the integrity of their Intel they reduce themselves to mere rumor soldiers and nothing pretentious more. There was a time when life, in the words of Thomas Hobbes, "was a precarious scenerio, brutish and short" because men were laws for themselves until the law assumed responsibility of social engineering - a social contract that still keeps our self-help proclivities at bay. And common wisdom forbids that such times be returned.
As for Akwa Ibom state, the state government through the executive and legislature should petition the Presidency, Inspector General of Police, National Assembly and the Police Service Commission and all relevant authorities. The State Government must mob the Federal Government before it is mobbed by the people.
It is totally unacceptable that the DSS, Police, Peace Corps and other Military, Paramilitary or Security Agencies cannot enjoy our hospitality and turn around to become hostile against against us. Our nation is on the precipice of the unknown and our state cannot be the sacrificial lamb. Mr. Ime Uwah who is also referred to as the Alico Dangote of Akwa Ibom State is a young entrepreneur of Uyo descent who has possibly a thousand Akwa Ibom People under his employment and a public officer should not be exposed to such threat and no Akwa Ibom person either. This should be the last. Anything of this character again may be disastrous

HURRAY! PRINCE GOD'SWILL IS NOW S.A TO GOV. OF CROSS RIVER ON YOUTH AFFAIRS

A child that washes his hands clean gets to feast with elders. Prince Prince God'swill Edward Osim somehow seems was almost born with clean hands and has worked hard to keep them so even as he goes out of his way to feed others with it. That is why it came as no surprise to anyone when he was announced and appointed Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross Rivers State on Youth Affairs. a call to represent his generation at the table of elders. Who else best fits to serve the youth better than one who has dedicated himself and resources to serving and empowering his generation? Prince Gods'will has always been a beacon of hope in a world of bleakness. He is a very meek gentleman, a principled comrade, an ingenious sage, dexterous, industrious! Respectful and God fearing. Though it is said that "Let the head that fits the cap wear the cap" interestingly, it seems this amiable fellow was born with his own cap. A golden fish. That is why it is believed that he will no doubt bring his wealth of experience and ingenuity in the business of youth empowerment to serve his state better than he has before now in his private capacity. It is clear that with another young good head in Governor Ben Ayade's Team the much expected golden future has arrived- touching down in Cross River State first. In truth, only a great man understands the role of youths in leadership. The Prof has again displayed the benefits and peerless sagacity of a practical academic in power. Perhaps, his bit will justify Plato's "Philosopher King" theory in Nigeria. Thus, I join millions of youths in Cross River State, Nigeria and beyond to thank His Excellency Gov. Ben Ayade for selecting a youth of sterling record to serve the youth and people of Cross River State. Again, I congratulate my brother, friend and comrade Prince Godswil Edward Osim on his new call to stewardship. I pray that God will lavish his grace and wisdom upon you and make your relationship with your boss and the people of Cross River State a romance in stewardship even as he helps your family blend on perfectly so that at the end the youth community of Cross River State will be a blessed society better than we met it. No doubt, knowing the kind of person you are - your workaholic nature, accessibility, grand taste, sound wisdom and passionate social engineer that you are, I'm confident that more than Papillo, you will indeed, make us proud! Godspeed sir.
Culled from Watchout Naija facebook wall.

PATIENCE JONATHAN FOR PRESIDENT 2019

I read at Today's Leaders Forum that some microblog platform (FNN) interviewed Dame Patience Jonathan recently. Here's the excerpt : FNN: Your exelle…. PEJ: No, just call me mama Peace. FNN: Mama Peace, how have you managed to stay away from the news for this long? PEJ: My brother, its God. I am just happy to be alive, me and my husband and children. FNN: so what has Mama Peace been up to? PEJ: I have been going classes to get my Ph.D. I cannot allow only Ebele to be answering Doctor in the house *laughter ensues* FNN: do you miss life in Aso Rock? PEJ: I cannot tell you lie, I miss it. But to God be the Glory, in 2019 I will be back there FNN: Wow! Does President Goodluck intend to run again? PEJ: Noo, not Ebele. Me FNN: Wow Wow Wow PEJ: yes O my brother. I have been looking Tele and seeing what Hilary is doing in America. If she can contest, I will contest. Man have been ruling our country since1960, but look at us. Suffer suffer everywhere. FNN: So you fancy your chances of becoming president? Do you think you have the CV? PEJ: Did Obasanjo have CV? FNN: Valid point. PEJ: look, this our country have mature to have a Woman President. Hilary that is contesting, does she have two head? The woman in Liberia does she have 2 head? FNN: But Mama Peace, do you think you have the requisite political clout? PEJ: I have requisite, I have deposit. Go and look at Wike in Port Harcourt. I will not say more than that. Those wey know know *laughter* FNN: Well it’s been a pleasure interviewing you Ma. Best of luck in your future endeavors. PEJ: Thank you my brother. Greet your family for me. Looooooooooooooooooooooool! This can’t be our former first lady jor!

PRESIDENT BUHARI AND PROF JEGA DISAGREE OVER NIGERIANS

Only very few people understood the fact that Nigeria was already broke before Obasanjo became president. We had had all our fortunes squandered from good image to natural resources and finances. It therefore took so much work to recover some of these losses. It was not an easy task convincing people to do business with Nigeria but gradually they started seeing reason to trust us and work with us. This had a whole lot to do with the way our leaders presented us before the world. You know a woman is not pretty but you do not have to tell her so. That is how life is. Packaging. It takes an educated man to understand this. Education is no monopoly of the four walls of academic institutions. It is a way of life. Academic institutions only make it easier. Today, we have lost hundreds of FDI because our president raised a national insolvency alarm! Meanwhile, these corporations knew very well that all was not rosy with us. After all, the world was going broke and Nigeria is not in the moon. But the assurance by our leaders kept them in our bed. President Buhari's claim that Nigeria is broke though made in mixed faith seem to have brought us all the bad faith in the world. His intention was to cast the previous administration in bad lights and to attract financial compassion from bigger countries and international bodies. But the reverse is the case. Nobody wants to lend money so easily again let alone grant aides. They do not even have enough themselves. The Greece - European Union drama tells it all. But it seems our president is yet to grasp the consequences of his first alarm on the nation and has gone further to raise another one "Nigerians Are Criminals!" Who achieves positive feats with negative streaks? How in the world does this president expect good people of Nigeria world over to survive after he has officially declared them wanted to the government of the countries they reside and hustle? Even if he has identified looters and their assessors what percentage are they in our population of over 150 million to warrant generalizing us all as criminals? Things like this makes one begin to question the usefulness of a cleric and lawyer as Vice President. Those who never see anything wrong in what president Buhari does will not escape this one when it begins to yield results. Fatuously, they think they are insulated from His Excellency's buffoonery. Thank God, the man who made it possible for Buhari to be President, Prof. Attahiru Jega has come out to counter His Excellency on this one. Meanwhile, I am sure Goodluck Jonathan will be somewhere regaling himself with all these. Especially, the recent harangues from the man who tore his PDP card for Buhari now telling the world that Buhari is not the man they were thinking he would be. But then what do we expect from a president who cannot defend his wealth without controversies or a man who allowed criminals to make him president. Ah, he forgets or perhaps does not even know that one who benefits from crime is also a criminal himself. Come to think of it, what do you call a man who budgets billions for his meals in a broke economy?

EFCC vs RICKY TARFA: Right or Wrong!

Right from the days of President Olusegun Obasanjo I have always told those who cared to listen that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is a Para-legal/Para military weapon in political hands. And not for once have they proved me wrong. Most of their operatives are not lawyers, their head is from the police force and they answer to the president in the job of fighting corruption - that is, investigating, arresting and prosecuting those corrupt in the eyes of the presidency. And they go about these duties with reckless abandon for the rule of law, legendary mediocrity in investigation and treasonable sabotage at prosecution. They make so much noise, so much arrests and so so less conviction. But very few cared to address this irrectitude until now that the anti-graft agency picked and locked up Ricky Tarfa SAN on Friday at about 5:00pm outside the premises of the Lagos High Court in Igbosere area of Lagos Island and is yet to be granted bail three days later. According to them his arrest was because of alleged obstruction of justice by the silk who prevented the operatives of the EFCC from arresting his clients, two Beninois nationals, who were being tried by the court for offenses bordering on forgery and conspiracy, Wilson Uwujaren, spokesperson for the agency confirmed. It is gathered from another source that EFCC agents at the court premises in Lagos had laid an ambush for Granhoue Sourou Nazaire with the plan to arresting him for fraud, but Mr. Tarfa shielded and tried to get a judge to issue an order to bar the EFCCC from picking him up. Quickly, the Nigeria Bar Association has risen to condemn the arrest as disregard for rule of law and arrant reproach at the prestigious profession. In fact, a former President of the NBA, Mr. Joseph Bodunrin Daudu, SAN, lamenting at the incident said “Well, you see, this is what we face with the current EFCC. Let’s get the facts straight, all of us who are defending accused persons are now endangered species, all of us are being investigated by the EFCC, so we are all waiting for the day they will come and carry us.” However, Mr. John Olusegun Odubela, reacting for the law firm, Rickey Tarfa &Co. in a statement signed by its Partners and Head of Chambers, said : “It is germane to state that the matter before the court has no bearing with corruption related issue. It is purely between a husband and wife struggling for the control of a manufacturing company they jointly promoted.It is purely a matrimonial issue that went sour.” Well, truth be told. It does not matter whether Ricky was defending an accused person or divorce client. What counts is whether his client had been invited by the EFCC and he refused to oblige thereby necessitating the need to be arrested and Ricky was in the know and tried to prevent his arrest unlawfully. If this is true then he should not just be arrested by prosecuted for obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting crime plus all possible charges. After all, a senior advocate should not just know the law but also lead in its observance. Though the stories surrounding his arrest are disturbing and contradicting my concern is for the sanctity of my profession. I've never spared law enforcement officers when the cross my path but never do I encroach into their path. And these senior lawyers must learn there are Senior in the profession not to the profession. Their seniority is not over the law. Meanwhile, I also wish the NBA will also fight for young lawyers the way they declare war for senior lawyers. Come to think of it, is this not the same Ricky Tarfa SAN that use to win cases for ACN? Now that he seems to share some sympathy for PDP in some cases he is suddenly very touchable. Hehehehe! Anyway I will be senior lawyer someday. Okpo Ewa Esq.

MY AKWA IBOM APC TEMPTATIONS - BY EWA OKPO ESQ.

Sometime in December 2015 I accompanied the Editor and Publisher of the INK NEWSPAPER as the legal adviser of the tabloid to an event in one of the LGs that make up my Oro nation. On getting there, I discovered it was actually organised by an APC chieftain who invite my friend to cover the event and since the two were friends my publisher instead of sending one of his reporters opted to grace the event himself. As a wise man, he went with a witness and I was his choice witness. As an Oro son I didn't mind if it was APC or PDP. Anything that benefits my people is acceptable. But the twist to the whole event came when a long time senior friend of mine walked in with the APC demi gods and hopefuls and other dignitaries. My big friend sighted me first and beckoned on me to come over to their table. Thankfully the security and protocol gave way for us to felicitate. He poured encomiums on me, complained how he's missed me and told me how my press work and few news of my legal exploits in the state really overwhelmed him. (Remember, I was the only lawyer petitioning to drag some of the commissioners in Gov Akpabio's regime to court while Akpabio was still the sitting governor. Then some Oro senior lawyers and politicians disclaimed me because they thought they had a chance for governorship ticket and shouldn't therefore be associated with a radical if not rascal like me). He said I have been a true advocate till date and then proceeded to introduce me to his boss. The boss confirmed to my surprise that he's heard so much about me and was impressed with my works. At this point I wasn't so sure which work he was talking about because my recent hobby has been to tear his party's strategies and propaganda apart. There and then the Oga asked that I come over to the house the next Sunday. There was enough space for me at the top with them he assured me. Very few Oro  people were going around with them and almost none was doing what I was doing my bid friend hinted. So I won't be contesting space with anyone. They convinced me that I was really needed by them and pledged their willingness to pay my bills no matter my rates. They assured me that the judiciary was going to order a rerun in Akwa Ibom and Rivers state and at the re-run they will take over these states. He convinced me that they had federal power working for them and God. In fact, it was God that brought me to the event. And truly, it was God because earlier that week, I'd run into a cousin of mine who's also a publisher who told me how this my senior friend was always saying some good things about me and that he'd promised to take me to his house on Sunday for a meeting. I agreed but surprisingly, on that Sunday here I was at an event with the very same person. This truly was God. And so we scheduled another meeting for next Sunday.
On the scheduled next Sunday, I switched off my phones, went to church between 7-9am with my gadget bag. From there I went to a fast food and spent the whole day alternating between watching movies and reading one of my Dan Browns' till the day was fully spent. I never got back to them again. I avoided my cousin also. He wasn't so pleased with me. Why on earth would I reject an open offer to make money and be in government by simply changing sides after all, nobody was paying me to work for PDP?
Today, the rerun dream has ended. They will wait for another four years to attempt a better dream. And I'm thinking, what if I actually joined this people then for the money? Where would I hide my face today? Why did God make it look like he was really the one arranging for me to change side and I was just being obstinate? I remember at a time telling myself that even if God's plan is to bring Umana Umana and his APC lots into the hilltop mansion and reveals it to me I will rather perish than join them because I had taken a stand already and on that ground I shall perish or triumph.
Then came the news of the defection of a Brigadier General who was very instrumental in Gov. Wike's Victory in Rivers state. What could this man have seen and heard to make him shift grounds? I asked myself. It made me revisit my law books searching for possible "Stare Decisis" and "Ratios" that could make the Supreme Court go against its own authority in Agbaje v Ambode. I found none. Convinced that such judgment was not probable I didn't rule out the proclivity of politically induced rulings like we'd seen already. So I visited my village where I had a surprise meeting with my polling unit and confirmed their willingness to repeat April 11 as many times as they'll be called to so do. I hoped for the best but prepared for the worst. If they perform magic in the court they will need to perform a miracle in my polling unit I resolved.
Alas, today, I reflect over this and many other pressures and advances from some friends, elders and ogas to shift my ground, how divine they seemed then and how stubbornly I stood my ground. I'm lost as to why God would expose me to such temptations and then I remember the bible story of the prophet from Judah. Wow, I'm no prophet but then I can look proudly, raise my head and brag: "I stood my ground till the end!" It's even sweetest knowing it was done without a single financial benefit. I did it for principle. That principle I shall reveal soon - in later days. Akwa Ibom people should know the truth. APC as led by the Umana Umana lots in Akwa Ibom is worse than a "one chance bus" in Lagos!
May they rest in peace.
Selah...

GOV. OSHIOMOLE IN DIVORCE SCARE!!!

One can only hope it's a rumo

ur that the beautiful wife of Edo state Governor, Iara Fortes Oshimhole, has filed for divorce on claims that her husband, Adams Oshiomhole, is fetish, diabolic and probably the one responsible for the demise of his former wife Mrs Clara Oshiomhle who died on December 7, 2010, at the Abuja clinic, Maitama, after a protracted battle with breast cancer.
But if this were true one begins to wonder how the people of Edo state will take it considering the fact that so much time and resources was diverted into acquiring the trophy wife who suddenly wants to dismiss the effort in less than a year after wedlock. By the way, whatever happened to "for bette for worse"?

SUPREME COURT DRAMA FOR UDOM v UMANA

Dear readers like you're all aware that the Supreme Court is sitting to hear the Udom v Umana electoral appeals today. Please permit me to regale you with some up dates from the apex court.
There are a total of seven appeals in this matter and all were listed today and heard consecutively.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Mahmud Mohammed, heading the seven member panel of Justices led his colleagues in to the court room which was already full to capacity by the closing hours of the morning when the court sat. The first appeal titled : Udom Emmanuel VS Umana Umana was called. Damien Dodo, SAN & Ors announced appearance for Udom Emmanuel (Appellant) while Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN & Ors appear did same for Umana Okon Umana & APC (Respondent).
After announcing appearance counsel for Udom Emmanuel declared their withdrawal of the first appeal challenging the locus standi (qualification) of Umana O Umana and was obliged.
Then second appeal was called. Udom Emmanuel versus Umana O Umana. The matter had same appearance. Here Damien Dodo, SAN for Udom Emmanuel adopted his written argument echoing the Petitioners' case to be essentially based on the Card Reader plus the fact that the quantum of evidence required for the case of non collation was lacking.
Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) for Umana O Umana and the APC on the other hand adopted his written argument re-echoing that the judgment of the Tribunal was on the totality of the election including:
1. Accreditation
2. Voting
3. Collation
Etc
Accordion to him, all the Voters Register for all the polling units in Akwa Ibom State were tendered and that this was not only the only case where candidates of 3 parties & an ex gov. gave evidence that they were not allowed to vote but also the the only case before the Supreme Court where ballot papers were tendered. he added that INEC admitted that ballot papers were bungled up and told the court that video clip was tendered showing that there was no collation at the State Collation Centre.
Reading from from Exhibit 12, the Report of the
Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, he stated that:
"It has been observed clearly, that the general
conduct of the April 11th Gubernatorial and State
Assembly Elections was not properly conducted by
(INEC) by all standard, it appears INEC to have had
a close dealing with the sitting authority in the
State. Thuggery, killings, snatching of election
materials was above average. Therefore, the
general conduct of the Election in April 11th, 2015
Gubernatorial and State Assembly Elections was
marred with high level of violence and killings.



Thereafter the third appeal was called with same appearance.
Here, Dodo, SAN adopted his earlier arguments on the issue of the Card Reader & collation while Chief Wole Olanipekun adopted his front loaded brief on the third appeal as well urgent the SC to dismiss the appeal on the ground that the case of Akwa Ibom is different from the other cases on the use of Card Reader.
He stated that PW49 (forensic analyst) spoke to the Voters Register polling unit by polling unit and analysed them. Though this was rejected at the tribunal level the learned silk submitted that the Petitioners had appealed against the rejection of same.
In response, the court asked Olanipekun if Voters Register was tendered for all the 2982 polling units in Akwa Ibom and he responded in the affirmative.
He said that a total of 345 Exhibits were tendered and that Card Reader was only one of them and that even the Respondents pleaded that Card Readers were used and that they cannot deny it now.
The hearing was concluded and Fourth appeal which is INEC & Anor Versus Umana Okon Umana & Ors called. Same appearances.
Here Olanipekun adopted his brief on the 4th appeal by INEC where he stated that  INEC pleaded Card Reader and that no evidence was given by INEC on collation.
According to him PW34 was INEC Presiding Officer who gave evidence that there was no election and that materials were carted away. The appellant counsel again adopted their front loaded brief and the matter was stood down for next appeal.

In a summary Onyeachi Ikpeazu, counsel to INEC submitted that the tribunal erred, by using the report of the police to affirm the testimony of the petitioner’s 4 witnesses that indeed the election was marred by violence. Indeed, a closer look at the same report by the same police indicate that voting in Akwa Ibom state ended at about 6pm and thereafter collation commenced after which the results were duly announced. In his words "My lord, the statement by the police in fact goes ahead to confirm that election was held and collation carried out. That the police even attached the result of the election as their achievement in Akwa Ibom state on April 11. My lord, it is wrong for the lower court to pick just a part of the report that favours the petitioner.”

D.D DODO SAN counsel for PDP Urged the court to throw out the decision of the lower court contending that the APC witnesses were accorded supernatural powers by the court of Appeal by erroneously relying on the testimonies of few partisan witnesses to cancel elections in the whole state.
Chief Olanipekan SAN counsel for the APC on the other hand was of the submission that his evidences support that there was no election in Akwa Ibom state. And proceeded to reel out evidence tendered, admitted and/rejected earlier in the courts below.
At the end of the court stood down the 7th appeal as well and proceeded to hear the case of Abia state governorship election appeal first before returning to give judgment.
Interestingly, some of the relieving aspect of the courtroom brawl cannot be ignored. One of this is when Tayo Oyetibo, SAN counsel to PDP told the court, as a response to the disquisitions of the APC team, that Petitioners tendered all "tenderables". In reaction Chief Wole Olanipekun appreciated it as an admittance of their Trojan effort stating that the law allows a party to make contradictory pleadings and that PDP's counsel argument is academic. Here are his words:
"My Lords the Respondents pleaded that the used Incident Forms to make up for the differentials"
Then he harangued that the Appellants completely refused to comment on the Incident Forms they failed to tender. His presumed the reason for this in the following words: "My Lords what they (Appellants) should say is that we (Respondents) over pleaded."
However, the most hilarious of all was when the celebrated silk Chief. Olanipekun S.A.N informed the court as follows "An electoral officer who testified for the petitioner alleged that she was harassed and stripped naked and material seized from her. She also claimed that the same fate befell her colleagues in all parts of the state." And one of the Supreme Court justices asked him:
“Was she at all the polling units to witness her claims?”
“No my lord”- Wole Olanipekun conceded to the humor of all.
Meanwhile, back in Akwa Ibom state the masses have divided themselves into two opposing armies. Initially, plaza had been taken over by a umbrella wielding crowd then later in the day they were joined by a broom wielding counterpart positioned on the other side of the open plaza. This is a sign of what is loading for tonight...
Godhelpakwaibomstate!

SUPREME COURT TO DECIIDE ON AKWA IBOM GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION TODAY!

It has been an interesting run off right from 11th April 2015 till date! Akwa Ibom state has been divided into sides- for, against and not-for-or-against. All sorts of mischief and politicking have taken place. We have heard all kinds of news, allegations, counter allegations, controversies, propaganda et al. It has been a marathon fusillade between those who want udom to be gov and those who do not want him to be Governor in Akwa Ibom state. Unfortunately, those who do not want him have their own very many reasons. In fact, their reasons are so divergent that they fail to speak in one big voice but in few disparate decibels.
Incidentally, those who want Mr. Udom Emmanuel and PDP to maintain their residency at the Hill Top Mansion do have their own different reasons ranging from zoning to equity to fairness to consolidation to continuity and to mention a few.
Interestingly, those on the other side also share the same lists of reasons with different perspectives and interpretations.
Now, though, the supreme court judgment in Dakuku v Wike has really helped to douse the tension in the state and beyond, the entire people of Akwa Ibom state both within and in diaspora seat on the edge of their chairs in anticipation of what the supreme court has to say about the April poll. would it declare is another "April fool" or confirm is a worthy "April poll" ? The answer will not tarry beyond today.
People have called God into this matter. Both the APC and PDP blocs claim to be on the side of God of Justice. Perhaps, it is now God's turn to actually confirm whose side is His. But whatever may be the case, I'm confident Akwa Ibom people will be the winner! God will prove today that He is of Akwa Ibom state.
I only pray that we all accept the judgment of the court peacefully regardless of its consequences on our positions. If it's for Udom Emmanuel/ PDP let Obong Umana Okon Umana/APC not just sheath their swords but turn them into plow and join in the building of our collectively destined greatness. If the Court grants UOU/APC their desire then let us all go back to the field for another novelty match- without drawing blood.
Let us all laugh last in the end of today.
Okpo Ewa Esq.
#dakkadamypeople!

INEC RELEASE DATES FOR RE-RUN IN AKWA IBOM & OTHER STATES

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed dates for Re-Runs across Nigeria as ordered by The Courts: House of Assembly elections in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State are scheduled for 12th March 2016. Find press release attached here please.

APC DESPERADOS PANIC OVER AKWA IBOM JUDGMENT AT SUPREME COURT

APC IN DESPERATE TIMES, MOVE TO BRIBE SUPREME COURT JUSTICES. While some people are already settled down with the perception that the judgment of the Supreme Court last week Friday upturning the Court of Appeal and declaring Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike dully elected Governor of Rivers State will ordinarily rub off on the Akwa Ibom state case before the same court it seems some erstwhile boys of Gov. Akpabio are all out to achieve the contrary at all cost. This is informed by the desperate move by these opposition newbies two of whom are immediate sacked executive chairmen of Uyo and Itu Local government areas who were hitherto "bedroom boys" of the immediate past governor of the state now senator and minority leader of the senate - Chief Dr. Godswil Obot Akpabio. It is reliably gathered that just last week, these former council bosses approached the APC gubernatorial candidate Chief Umana Okon Umana having raised the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N150, 000, 000. 00) with the support of other allegedly aggrieved elements one of whom is a very senior accountant with the Akwa Ibom state civil service - donating the sum of Ten Million Naira (10, 000, 000. 00) through her son in law. At the meeting, they charged their new principal to rise up and do everything possible to ensure that the April 11, 2015 gubernatorial elections is cancelled. According to them; it is their fear, and palpably so, that should Mr. Udom Emmanuel be declared Governor of Akwa Ibom state for the next four years; their political enterprise in the state would be totally terminated. They also intimated Obong Umana that even if he would not be troubled by th Udom administration that Sen. Akpabio will not sleep until they are utterly disgraced. As a result of these fears they pledged their willingness to do any and everything possible to make sure Mr. Udom is not governor of the state come judgment day at the Supreme Court. Incidentally, Umana, moved by their agitation, had no choice but to indulge them. It was therefore resolved at the meeting that the last and only option available to them is to approach the bench with grand generosity. So they moved from Uyo to Abuja where they met with a man at Gwagwalada through one Abuja based lawyer who vehemently opposed the previous government of Akwa Ibom state and petitioned the past governor to EFCC. According to him this Gwagwalada man is a negotiator for one of the Justices of the Supreme Court and has scheduled a meeting between them and the said Justice of the Supreme Court to hold at Nasarawa this week. However, at the time this report was filed no verifiable contact whatsoever has been established between them and any Justice of the Supreme Court, while all efforts to co-opt Sen. Ita Enang the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) into this desperado scheme of them proved abortive as the presidential aide demurred on grounds that they abandoned him during the Budget Theft saga which he is yet to recover from even when some of them are in the know that he has always had intention to contest for the governorship of Akwa State come 2023 and therefore owes himself the duty to keep his records clean. Culled from today's edition of THE INK

ADELE DISCLAIMS DONALD TRUMP!

Adele issues a press statement that she never gave Donald Trump the go ahead to use her song for his campaign. This has raised concerns as to the kind of U.S President wants to be; one that acts with so much impunity or doesn't have regard for other people's property especially intellectual property when he is one man who should know so much about intellectual enterprise as a beneficiary himself. Meanwhile the use of the song had raised sentiments enough to mislead people to think that Adele had endorsed him. This indeed smacks of mischief. Imagine such "Mischief President" that trump would be. But can he be?