Supreme Court Affirms Umo Eno As Governor of A’Ibom State

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed the election of Umo Eno as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, thereby closing the disputes to his victory in the March 2023 polls.

The apex court dismissed appeals filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Young Progressives Party (YPP), and the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), each contesting Eno’s eligibility or the conduct of the election.



This ruling comes after the Court of Appeal had already struck out similar suits against Eno last year.

The petitioners, Bassey Albert Akpan of the YPP, Akanimo Udofia of the APC, and John Akpanudoedehe of the NNPP, had raised various concerns, including allegations of electoral malpractices and Eno’s qualification to hold office.


Earlier, the Supreme Court had urged Hassan Liman, SAN, counsel to APC & Akanimo Udofia on the petition against Governor Umo Eno, to withdraw the appeal. The court stated, "It is not every matter you bring here to bother us. Since you couldn’t invite WAEC to disown the certificate you claimed was forged, stop wasting our time. The tribunal did a good job and we read the judgement and it was a perfect judgement, we urge you to withdraw."

Subsequently, the APC Counsel heeded the advice, saying, "I hereby withdraw the Appeal based on the highest wisdom of Their Lordships."

Lead Counsel to Sen. Bassey Albert, Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, is present in court but declines to appear on the appellant’s team. Hence OBA is represented in court by Barr Tunde Falola.

Senator Bassey Albert also apologized to court for bringing up the appeal. 

This is as the Supreme Court frowned at his counsel for repeating the same argument of Akanimo Udofia on the arrangement of names on WAEC certificate.


Governor Umo Eno is represented by Paul Usoro, SAN, Essien Udom, SAN, Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN.

INEC is represented by Offiong Offiong, SAN, while PDP is represented by Tayo Oyetibo, SAN.

The court has decided to jointly take the cases as the facts are similar.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Education Remains a Top Priority of Our Policy Thrust: Gov. Fubara

Image
The Rivers State Government says it will continue to place education as one of the top most priorities of its policy thrust. Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt on Saturday 24th February, 2024. The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, said although the University of Port Harcourt is a Federal University the State Government would continue to support and collaborate with it to place it in a path that  would be the envy of other institutions. “We shall support you because whenever we add value to this institution, you add double value to whatever we have placed before you and we shall continue to ensure that you are given a place of high distinction and excellence”, the Governor stressed. Governor Fubara disclosed that his administration was desirous to create the enabling environment to ensure Rivers State remains a preferred destination to achieve quality education in the count...
Read more

Governor Mutfwang Crowns New Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit

Image
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has performed the coronation of the New Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit. The ceremony is coming nine years after the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong. Governor Mutfwang, who performed the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the New Ngolong Ngas at the Pankshin Township Stadium, praised the Ngas Nation for a rancor-free selection process of the new Ngolong Ngas. He warned mischief makers against needless court actions that are capable of delaying or frustrating the selection and installation of traditional rulers in the state. He also implored citizens to alway accept the will of God in all circumstances. "I congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state." the Governor stated. "Let me s...
Read more

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF AN ENLARGED MEETING ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024

Image
The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of H.E. Governor Bala A. Mohammed, CON, held an enlarged meeting at the Bauchi State Governors’ Lodge, Tatari Ali House, Asokoro on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Rising from the consultative meeting of the various organs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party resolved as follows: 1. The National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting originally slated for October 24, 2024, has been rescheduled to November 28, 2024. 2. The postponement is to ensure that the party goes into the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial elections of November 16, 2024 with the unity and strength demanded to unseat the floundering All Progressive Congress, APC government in the state. 3. Reiterating the need for unity in the face of efforts by detractors to divide the party, the meeting called on all members to shun divisive utterances that could undermine ongoing efforts at strengthening the party to effectively play its role as the country’s main opposition, preparatory...
Read more