AKHA crisis: Court issues Nse Ntuen with an injunction.

A High Court sitting in Uyo today, 28/11/2018, has granted an order of interim injunction restraining Hon. Nse Ntuen from parading himself as the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly pending the determination of motion on notice filed by Ekemini Udim Esq, Counsel to Speaker Onofiok Luke.

The ruling by Hon. Justice Ekaete Obot ordered that the injunction be served on Nse Ntuen in person and also be pasted on every conspicuous part of the Assembly complex to forestall breakdown of law by the sacked lawmakers.

Only God!

*AKHA ISSUES ARREST WARRANT ON FIVE SACKED LAWMAKERS*

*...WANT AK POLICE BOSS REPLACED*

The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has ordered for the immediate arrest and prosecution of a retired Sergeant-at-arms identified as Godwin Ukpong, together with the five sacked lawmakers Nse Ntuen, Idongesit Ituen, Gabriel Toby, Victor Udofia, and Otobong Ndem for breaking into and desecrating the chambers of the Assembly.

This was one of the seven prayers of a motion which was moved by the House Leader, Udo Kierian Akpan, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Ime Okon which also banned the former members from coming near the premises of the State Assembly.

The lawmakers also resolved that the new police commissioner, Musa Kimo be replaced immediately for complicity in the illegal invasion of the chambers.

They passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the Speaker, Barr. Onofiok Luke for his leadership qualities and for standing by the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Standing Orders of the House, asking the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to protect the institution of the House of Assembly while warning them to desist from aiding the criminal activities of the sacked lawmakers.

The resolutions follow a matter of urgent public importance raised during Tuesdays Plenary by the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges, Aniekan Uko who raised concerns over the alleged breaking into the chambers by earlier in the day by unauthorized Persons.

Meanwhile, the Speaker has directed the Clerk to issue a notice of the order and paste the names of the former members on all notice boards within the Complex while Security Agents have been asked to comply with the order of the House.

Tuesday's Plenary also featured the second reading of the 2019 Appropriations Bill which was referred to the House Committee on Appropriations and Finance for further legislative action.

OWNER KILLED AS AKWA IBOM APC CANDIDATE DONATES STOLEN VEHICLE FOR NSIMA EKERE'S CAMPAIGN

•••TWO SUSPECTS NABBED BY POLICE

Two suspects are currently singing in police custody, after being arrested in possession of a stolen car presented to them by the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Akwa Ibom State.

Our reporter gathered that the suspected stolen SUV, a 2010 Honda CRV, which was branded with campaign posters of the governorship candidate, Mr. Nsima Ekere, was a product of a deadly serial robbery operation that cost the lives of many including that of the owner in far away Oyo State.

The car was allegedly presented to the suspects by the APC house of Representatives flagbearer for Ikono/Ini Federal constituency, Barr Edidiong Idiong.

Preliminary information available from the Oyo state Anti Robbery Squad reveals that the owner of the vehicle was among those murdered in an armed robbery attack at Oyo state.

The vehicle was subsequently brought and presented to Mr Etop Akpan Ezekiel, nicknamed 'Black' from Ikpe Ward 2 in Ini local government area by the APC stalwarts as a bait to lure him into their party.

Revelations from men of the police force contained that on the day of this occurrence, 3 robbery attacks were recorded within the vicinity where all the 3 owners of the vehicles were gunned down, while the robbers took off with their vehicles.

The leader of the police crack team that invaded Akwa Ibom state in search of the stolen vehicles disclosed that the hunt for the other two vehicles are still on, "now that we've been able to track this very one and have gotten it, we will now channel our energies and commit our resources into finding the other remaining two vehicles, and believe you me, all the culprits will be caught and brought to book," he said.

Investigations so far reveals that some personal effects of the deceased lady who was the original owner of the vehicle like ID card, complimentary cards e.t.c are still in the car and so far, Oyo state Police Command in conjunction with the Police authorities in Ikot Ekpene, have taken custody of the vehicle.

THE ARREST AT A POPULAR IKOT EKPENE RESORT!!!

It is undoubtedly and legally known that Macaire resort provides hospitality services where a lot of people can access with ease.

Mr Etop Akpan Ezekiel (Black) had on the morning of 23rd November, driven the said car that was given to him by the APC to a popular hospitality resort on Ikot Ekpene, for relaxation when the crack team incidentally arrived Akwa Ibom state on intelligence.

They traced the car to that resort and black sensing unusual moves and questions about the car absconded with the help of a certain Oscar his friend aiding him to flee the premises.

As the police then lay siege on the building mounting surveillance on the car.

The siege lasted till the next day being Saturday as the police kept vigil on the car which carried campaign stickers of Mr Nsima Ekere as well as APC insignia.

As envisaged, one Mr Isreal Ufia, who was contracted by Mr Black to come and ferry home the car was apprehended by the police.

Meanwhile, Black who oned at the primary school Uruk Uso in wait for Mr Israel, kept on calling Israel on phone to know if he had succeeded in driving the car out from the resort.

Black however sensed trouble following Israel's the tenor of response and escaped leaving Israel's Camry car with a girl who was with them.

So far, two suspects have been arrested including the wife of an APC youth leader who is also an officer of the Nigerian police force.

OWNER KILLED AS AKWA IBOM APC CANDIDATE DONATES STOLEN VEHICLE FOR NSIMA EKERE'S CAMPAIGN

•••TWO SUSPECTS NABBED BY POLICE

Two suspects are currently singing in police custody, after being arrested in possession of a stolen car presented to them by the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Akwa Ibom State.

Our reporter gathered that the suspected stolen SUV, a 2010 Honda CRV, which was branded with campaign posters of the governorship candidate, Mr. Nsima Ekere, was a product of a deadly serial robbery operation that cost the lives of many including that of the owner in far away Oyo State.

The car was allegedly presented to the suspects by the APC house of Representatives flagbearer for Ikono/Ini Federal constituency, Barr Edidiong Idiong.

Preliminary information available from the Oyo state Anti Robbery Squad reveals that the owner of the vehicle was among those murdered in an armed robbery attack at Oyo state.

The vehicle was subsequently brought and presented to Mr Etop Akpan Ezekiel, nicknamed 'Black' from Ikpe Ward 2 in Ini local government area by the APC stalwarts as a bait to lure him into their party.

Revelations from men of the police force contained that on the day of this occurrence, 3 robbery attacks were recorded within the vicinity where all the 3 owners of the vehicles were gunned down, while the robbers took off with their vehicles.

The leader of the police crack team that invaded Akwa Ibom state in search of the stolen vehicles disclosed that the hunt for the other two vehicles are still on, "now that we've been able to track this very one and have gotten it, we will now channel our energies and commit our resources into finding the other remaining two vehicles, and believe you me, all the culprits will be caught and brought to book," he said.

Investigations so far reveals that some personal effects of the deceased lady who was the original owner of the vehicle like ID card, complimentary cards e.t.c are still in the car and so far, Oyo state Police Command in conjunction with the Police authorities in Ikot Ekpene, have taken custody of the vehicle.

THE ARREST AT A POPULAR IKOT EKPENE RESORT!!!

It is undoubtedly and legally known that Macaire resort provides hospitality services where a lot of people can access with ease.

Mr Etop Akpan Ezekiel (Black) had on the morning of 23rd November, driven the said car that was given to him by the APC to a popular hospitality resort on Ikot Ekpene, for relaxation when the crack team incidentally arrived Akwa Ibom state on intelligence.

They traced the car to that resort and black sensing unusual moves and questions about the car absconded with the help of a certain Oscar his friend aiding him to flee the premises.

As the police then lay siege on the building mounting surveillance on the car.

The siege lasted till the next day being Saturday as the police kept vigil on the car which carried campaign stickers of Mr Nsima Ekere as well as APC insignia.

As envisaged, one Mr Isreal Ufia, who was contracted by Mr Black to come and ferry home the car was apprehended by the police.

Meanwhile, Black who oned at the primary school Uruk Uso in wait for Mr Israel, kept on calling Israel on phone to know if he had succeeded in driving the car out from the resort.

Black however sensed trouble following Israel's the tenor of response and escaped leaving Israel's Camry car with a girl who was with them.

So far, two suspects have been arrested including the wife of an APC youth leader who is also an officer of the Nigerian police force.

POLICE PRESS RELEASE
POSTING OF A NEW COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
TO AKWA IBOM STATE
23RD NOVEMBER, 2018.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris NPM, mni, has approved the posting of a new Commissioner of Police to Akwa Ibom State Police Command. He is CP. Musa Kimo PSC. The new CP takes over from CP John Bassey Abang, fdc.

2. The new Police Boss holds a B.Sc (Hons) degree in Political Science from the University of Sokoto.

3. He was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on 1st of February, 1986. He has served in various capacities. Before his present appointment, he was:-
A-two time CP, Department of Logistics and Supply, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
CP Federal SARS, Abuja
CP Rivers State Police Command
CP Adamawa State Police Command
CP FCT Police Command
Commandant, Detective College, Enugu
CP Ebonyi State Police Command
4. He has assumed duty as the 25th Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State. He enjoins the peace loving people of Akwa Ibom State to remain law abiding and accord him the needed co-operation to fight crime in the State successfully.

DSP ODIKO MacDON
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
for: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE,
AKWA IBOM STATE.

MELAYE: WE ALL KNOW BUHARI ISN’T MENTALLY FIT TO GOVERN NIGERIA

Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi west, says President Muhammadu Buhari is not mentally and physically equipped to govern Nigeria.

Speaking at The Osasu Symposium in Abuja on Thursday, Melaye said the national assembly has been accused of delaying the budget, where “in fact”, the fault lies with the executive.
Responding to a question on whether the president reads laws that are being passed by the national assembly, Melaye said Nigerians know he is not fit to govern the country.

Earlier, Rotimi Amaechi, transportation minister, had said Buhari signs laws in the interest of Nigerians and any law he rejects is also in the interest of the country.

In response to Amaechi, Melaye said: “I know Honourable Rotimi Amaechi very well, and he is my brother, he is my friend. Normally, he is more eloquent than this, normally, he would speak with precision than this.

“But you know when you are not saying the truth, it will never flow. The issue of the budget as raised by Honourable Rotimi Amaechi, I am happy that he was a legislator, and he was a presiding officer at the state house of assembly.”

Speaking on the issue of budget delays, Melaye said: “The truth will remain the truth. At what point did you bring the budget? If you will all recall that the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, had to write Mr. President, accusing leaders of MDAs for refusing to come and defend their budget.

“The President had to order his ministers to go to the national assembly and defend their budgets before they came.

“The truth is, all political appointees, including Rotimi Amaechi must become born again, if we want to move this country forward.
“In whether the president reads these laws or not, all Nigerians, we know ourselves; you cannot give what you don’t have. President Muhammadu Buhari is not intellectually, emotionally, physically, mentally, equipped to govern this country.”

Cable

MILITANTS KILL AROUND 100 NIGERIAN SOLDIERS IN ATTACK ON ARMY BASE -SOURCES

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) - Militants killed around 100 Nigerian soldiers in an attack on an army base on Sunday, security sources said on Thursday, blaming Islamic State West Africa.
The toll is among the highest since President Muhammadu Buhari came to power in 2015 and it could raise pressure on him ahead of an election in February, not least because he has claimed victory over the nine-year insurgency.
The insurgents attacked the base in the village of Metele in northeastern Borno state, the epicentre of a revolt by Boko Haram and its Islamic State splinter group.

“The insurgents took us unawares,” said an officer who requested anonymity. “The base was burned with arms and we lost about 100 soldiers. It is a huge loss.”

Many troops are missing, the sources said. One soldier said more troops were killed on Tuesday when an attempt to recover bodies from the initial attack was ambushed.

“We all flew because we didn’t know where the bullets were coming from,” he said. “They killed some of us who went to evacuate the bodies of the killed soldiers.”
“We left our amour, tanks and weapons. They were all there. The village is still under their control.”

Four security sources said around 100 died in Metele and the death toll was not final. The fifth said 96 died in the northeast in recent days, mostly in Metele.

The senate, which is controlled by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday suspended its session in honour of what it said were 44 dead soldiers after the Metele attack.

Opposition presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who is Buhari’s main rival, called on the government to support the families of dead soldiers.

A presidency spokesman said the military would issue a statement. Military spokesmen did not respond to requests for comment. The government and military often decline to acknowledge the scale of losses in the northeast.

Militants have killed hundreds of soldiers in the region in recent months.

Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Jonathan has told the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to leave him alone and face Transparency International, who claimed that Nigeria was more corrupt today than under the last Peoples Democratic Party government.

In a statement released by Jonathan’s media office and signed by his former media aide, Reno Omokri, said the presidency is showing signs of guilt in its response to the content of the new book, launched by the former president, titled, My Transition Hours.

The statement read in part, “It is just evidence of a guilty conscience. As Shakespeare said, ‘The lady doth protest too much, methinks.’

“First and foremost, it was not former President Jonathan who said Nigeria is more corrupt today than it was under the last Peoples Democratic Party administration. That fact was actually stated by Transparency International, the only global body acknowledged as an independent rating agency for corruption.

“Whereas under Jonathan and the PDP, Nigeria made her best ever improvement on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, moving eight places forward from 144 to 136 in 2014, but under President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, Nigeria has made her worst ever retrogression, moving backwards 12 places from 136 to 148. This is a fact.”

The statement added, “And other people have stated the obvious besides Transparency International, one of them being Ms. Priti Patel, immediate past UK Secretary of State for International Development, who this week described President Buhari’s anti-corruption war as a sham and an impediment to Nigeria and urged foreign direct investors to shun Nigeria because of Buhari.

“Predictably, … Garba Shehu, threw diplomatic etiquette to the winds and hurled invectives at Ms. Patel.

“But Mr. Garba Shehu forgot to tell Nigerians how his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari went to Paris and praised the Governor of Kano state, a man caught on camera hiding dollar bribes in his babanriga. Yet, they charged Ayo Fayose and refused to charge Babachir Lawal.

“Even the blind can see the corruption of this administration and the deaf can hear it. With questionable certificates, fraudulent #NextLevel logo and document, plagiarizing speeches of both Barrack Obama and Charles DeGaulle. Not to talk of the $25 billion dollars’ worth of contracts awarded without due process at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation as revealed in Mr. Ibe Kachikwu’s leaked memo, Aisha Buhari’s ADC’s looted billions and the reinstatement and promotion of a thief like Maina.

“Besides, if the Buhari administration is upset at their gold medal for corruption, they should not take out their frustrations at Mr. Jonathan. They should face the umpire who gave them the award, Transparency International.


“Moreover, Garba Shehu descended further into his dark art of lying when he falsely alleged that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweka warned Dr. Jonathan about saving but she was rebuffed.

“That is an obvious lie and is easily demolished by the accounts in Mrs. Iweala’s book, Fighting Corruption is Dangerous. In her book, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said she warned the Governors, but APC Governors led by Rotimi Amaechi, refused to save. Must Garba twist the truth with such satanic abandon?

“This is an administration where the minister of power Tunde Fashola tells the Yoruba ethnic nationality to vote President Buhari and the Southwest will get the Presidency in 2023. The next day, Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Federal Government, told the Igbos to vote for President Buhari and get the Presidency in 2023. They cannot even harmonize their LIES.

“Lies such as the claim that in 16 years of being in office, President Jonathan and the PDP achieved nothing. Meanwhile, the only federal university in President Buhari’s home state was built by Dr. Jonathan. He built 165 almajiri schools, Abuja-Kaduna super-fast railway, four power stations, four hospitals and revived the nationwide rail service. Question for Garba, can he name even one project which was initiated, started and completed in the last three and a half years by President Buhari?

“In conclusion, we urge Garba Shehu to grow a spine and tell his boss the truth about his corrupt laden administration instead of coming out to insult the PDP, a party which brought him to national limelight.”

-Punch

MOMENT OF TRUTH

AKHA Crisis: Godswill Akpabio Again

My people, when I earlier disclosed that the defection of Godswill Akpabio to the All Progressives Congress, APC, was a grand conspiracy to once again deal with the people of Uyo Senatorial District (Ibibios), nobody understood me. Today, it's gradually unfolding.

In 2014, during the twilight of the 5th Assembly, the then Governor of the State, Chief Akpabio, directed the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Sam Ikon to declare five lawmakers’ seats vacant following their defection to the All Progressives Congress.

Three out of the five lawmakers were from Uyo Senatorial District(Ibibio nation) while the other two were from Oro nation. Akpabio ensured that he dealt with the Ibibios and Oro nation.

After the declaration, none of the sacked lawmakers took laws into his/her hands, or started a fight with the Speaker.

Few days ago, following a valid court judgment, Speaker Luke declared five seats of lawmakers who defected to the APC vacant. After the sitting, three of the affected lawmakers, disgracefully broke into the chambers, and elected Akpabio's stooge, Nse Ntuen, as their new Speaker. Is this not another attempt by Akpabio to deal with Uyo Senatorial District (Ibibios) who have vehemently rejected his political overtures to unseat Governor Udom Emmanuel?


Recall the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Onofiok Luke, was served with an enrolled order conveying the judgment of the Federal High Court of Nigeria restraining him from further recognising Hon. Idongesit Ituen as a member of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly.

The presiding Judge, Honourable Justice F.O. Riman, in his judgment in suit no. FHC/UY/CS/151/18 between Hon. Idongesit Ituen (Plaintiff) and The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly and two others (defendants), gave the “order of court restraining the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly or any other person acting on his behalf (including the staff of the House of Assembly) from further recognising Hon. Idongesit Ituen as a member of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly.”

Being a declarative judgement, the Honourable Speaker had no choice than to comply with a valid court judgment.

His decision to declare vacant the seats of Itu, Etim Ekpo/Ika, Ikono, Mkpat Enin, and Essien Udim state constituencies is also in line with section 109 sub 1g of the 1999 constitution as amended.

Therefore, the show of shame by Akpabio through his house boy Nse Ntuen and the shameless and disgraceful display of power drunkenness by the APC in Akwa Ibom State led by the once responsible and respected Mr Ini Okopido should worry even APC members who still have good conscience except all of them have been infected by the Akpabio virus of blood, violence, anarchy and destruction which the same party condemned before the importation of Akpabio into the party.


Let us recall that prior to Akpabio’s entry into APC, the party had promised Uyo Senatorial District the position of a Deputy Governor, but was upturned to put somebody from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District with a conspiracy that should Nsima wins, he will be impeached by the Annang cabal to pave way for an Annang man to be Governor there by denying Uyo Senatorial District an opportunity to occupy the Hilltop Mansion.

This is a conspiracy that a factional Speaker be made from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, with the party chairman and Deputy Governor from the same axis.

My people, this is not a fight that should be left in the hand of Governor Udom Emmanuel and Barr. Onofiok Luke. We must rise in unison to salvage the soul of Akwa Ibom State.

The conspiracy of Akpabio to forcefully plant his stooge, Nse Ntuen as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly in order to topple Governor Udom’s administration, and send a signal for Federal invasion should not be allowed.

This is a clear case of shortchanging Uyo Senatorial District(Ibibio) by Annang cabal, with the support of the State APC Chairman who is also an Annang man.

Let us know that, Akpabio has always conspired with some of his selfish Annang brothers to fight the Ibibios. Let us not forget in a hurry the story of the former Chairman of NDDC, Ambassador Sam Edem, in which Akpabio as Governor, conspired with the then Delta State Police Commissioner, Udom Ekpoudom, his annang brother to fight Ambassador Edem on trumped up charges.

Today, we are in again with the cabal rising to make the people of Uyo Senatorial District (Ibibios), insignificant majority.

Our children will ask us questions, if we don’t fight for their liberation.

I endorse this message.

Prince Emmanuel Sam
The Unstoppable Voice of Truth.

THE RANTING OSHIOMOHLE

Reactions have continued to trail the recent comments by the National Chairman of the All Progressive Party, APC over the thugs invasion of the State House of Assembly and the declaration of the seats of five law makers on Monday.
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel while speaking to reporters in Uyo on his return from official engagement outside the state described Mr. Oshiomohle's comment as lacking in facts.

He said the APC's National Chairman should have verified the facts on issues at the Akwa Ibom State Assembly before making his comments public.

"You don't just come to public and rant as if you were talking out of points. I don't know who is feeding him with lies and he is using that lies to go to the public", the Governor said.

Condemning Oshiomohle's further comment, Governor Emmanuel said the APC National Chairman having governed Edo state for eight years, "should be able to differentiate between information or rumour and propaganda and what intelligence should be" noting that he did not do his home work well.
The State Chief Executive stated clearly his position not to join issues with the APC National Chairman having been disappointed by his commitments.
He pointed out that Nigeria belongs to every body adding that the state should not allow people to drag us backwards any longer.
The Governor advised people to be guided by their utterances and statements that they make irrespective of their mood.
According to him, emotions without control is dangerous.

It would be recalled the the APC National Chairman, Adam's Oshiomohle in his comment over the swift intervention of the security personnel who prevented the APC thugs from invading the state Assembly Complex had described as "very disturbing the development in some states where the PDP is misusing the police to undermine the basic democratic rights of APC members ".

Oshiomohle said "a typical example is what just happened in Akwa Ibom State where the Commissioner of Police there colluded with the state Governor to force APC members out of the Sate House of Assembly and the commissioner went beyond bounds of duty to aid and abet what was clearly wrong".

He averred that "it was not the business of the police to assist political authority to effect their bias as regards to the issue of the house".

In their swift reactions, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologondiyan and the Publicity Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the PDP Barrister Ini Ememobong described the plot by the opposition (APC) in the state as a calculated attempt to instigate violence and break down of law and order in Akwa Ibom State.

Mr. Ologondiyan and Barrister Ememobong in a joint media briefing in Abuja had alerted Nigerians on the heinous machinations and issuance of violent threats to take over some littoral states, for which they have now directed their arsenal particularly on Akwa Ibom State.

AKHA : APC BLUNDERS BACKWARDS

Chief Godson Udobot was 85 years old man blessed with several grandchildren. One of them, Imo, lived with him at his Uyo residence. It was a bright Sunday morning Chief was going to church. He noticed his grandson’s door was closed and he decided not to worry him.

After about 8 hours in church Chief returned home to notice the door still closed. He then recalled that earlier in the morning he had noticed a young girl entered Imo’s room before the door was closed. As he was coming back from Church he passed the girl on the road. He could recall because she was exceptionally fair. But just as he was entering the house again he saw another one, this time a dark one entered the same room before it was closed. He therefore decided to knock on his grandson’s door. The young man opened and Chief told him:

“Imo why don’t you ask your friends or even your brothers to show you how to do this thing. The fact that you do something and enjoyed it doesn’t mean you maybe doing it the right way. You are blundering backward too early in life”.

The old man walked away after these words leaving the grandson dumbfounded.

APC in 2015 campaigned with the slogan of change. Nigerians voted APC believing it will be a correctionary regime. Expectations was high. Education, health, rule of law, security, economy, corruption etc. But events unfolding in various parts of the country since inception of this regime seem to portray this party as a treatment worse than the ailment.

AK APC on its part has embarked on the dangerous journey of mocking democracy relying on the fact that its party control government at the center and therefore controlled the security services. Not only have they promised consistently to use federal might to win 2019 elections at all cost, a few days ago they seemed to have taken that promise to a lawless peak. They must be enjoying themselves as can be seen from their various posts on social media but someone should tell them that this is not how it is done.

3 APC members broke into the state House of Assembly chambers and carried out what could have been dismissed as political comic relief. The gross illegality would have been excused by the laughter created by the purported impeachment of the speaker. But the fact that their party has risen in support shows the gross mistake Nigerians made about APC in 2015. If not checked the country may slip quickly into anarchy.

The facts:
5 members of PDP law makers in a 26 House Members defected to APC. They are law-makers therefore they know the law very well. That was why they knew that their actions went contrary to section 109 of the constitution as amended. Specifically that there is no solace for them under subsection (1)(g) of that section 109. Sensing that they have broken the law, they ran back to the same law to protect them by approaching the court.

Since the law doesn’t contradict itself, the court declared their seats vacant and accordingly ordered the Hon Speaker of the house to execute the judgements. And this was done in line with the law.

In the meantime the affected parties approached the relevant courts for APPEAL and STAY OF EXECUTION.

I am not a lawyer but like most Nigerians I am reasonable enough to know that the law is not the source but the consequences of the rights, desire, culture and experience of the people. That is why I don’t need to be a lawyer to know that STAY of EXECUTION is sought by the losing party in order to maintain the status quo obtaining at the time of the application until the appeal pending is determined.
It is also common sense that where the status quo obtaining at the moment has changed (in this case order has been executed) from what it was when the application was instituted for instance as in this case, if there is nothing as it were, no order to be restrained can be issued by the order of stay of execution since it will be lifeless and academic.
This was aptly demonstrated by the Supreme Court in April 2006 in the case between Olori Motors and Company Ltd and others Vs Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

In summary:
#5 law makers defected from their party to another party
#they understand that they have broken the law
#they know their seats will become vacant as a result
#they approached the courts to help them break the law
#the court rather upheld the law
#the house executed the court judgement and declared their seats vacant
#In the eyes of the law therefore they remain former house members
#they approached the court for stay of execution

Let’s assume they finally secured a stay of execution. By the operation of the law it is lifeless because the court order was duly executed. However, they still have window of appeal. If successful then the executed order will be reversed. That is if the appeal succeeds.

How someone with this legal baggage found his way to the chambers of the state house to purportedly seat to claim to have voted to impeach the speaker, elected one of them speaker and suspending other lawmakers is better explained by the police.

However, the Speaker of AKHA known by law remains Rt Hon Onofiok Luke.

One should have even dismissed the whole actions of these former House members as the comic relief of the year if we assumed that they are unaware of the provisions of section 99 of the 1999 constitution as amended which states that:
“Any person who sits or votes in a House of Assembly of a State knowing or having reasonable grounds for knowing that he is not entitled to do so commits an offence and is liable on conviction to such punishment as shall be prescribed by a Law of the House of Assembly”

However, the fact that the state APC back this illegality using the security services, indicated the disdain which the party has for the rule of law as well as the intelligence and feelings of ordinary Akwa Ibomites. A party that is going for election in a few months time will fear the backlash from the general public that may arise from this illegality. But because they have persistently vowed that elections will not count but “federal might”, it didn’t matter to them any public opinions. It also say a lot about the attitudes and attributes of APC leaders in Akwa Ibom desperate to clinch power at all cost.

The choice of ordinary Nigerians has always been very clear: freedom, not tyranny; democracy, not dictatorship; the rule of law, not the rule of the secret or open police. Akwa Ibom people have enjoyed relative peace in the last three years. Any attempt to make Akwa Ibom another Benue State because of the ambitions of a few individuals must be rejected.

As Mr. President claimed he was unaware of the lawlessness which was perpetrated by his party in Bunue aided by the police, this writer assumes he is unaware of the Akwa Ibom case. This is therefore a call on him to provide leadership to end this act of lawlessness in Akwa Ibom as Nigerians are beginning to ask themselves if they are ready for backward blunder into complete anarchy and chaos.

Nigerians on their part should come out with strong condemnation of this despicable desperation for power and lawlessness by a few individuals hiding under their party. No one should forget how Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq and indeed other volatile places in the world started their journey.

James Abang R828
Atteh-Okiuso Village, Urueoffong/Oruko LGA

AKWA IBOM STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SAGA; A CONTEMPORARY THEATRE OF POLITICAL LUDICROUSNESS.

Sometime about a year ago , after a careful appraisal of political actions and inactions of various political stakeholders in their respective spheres, I scripted a piece wherein I brought to the fore that the Nigerian state is fast emerging as a theatre of political absurdities,

often I wish that such negative trend be halted, however, the recent melodrama and political comedies that the sixth Assembly of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has been involved in recent time shows that silliness in governance in Nigeria is becoming an established norm.

Let me insert a caveat here that my analysis here will likely be elongated but not be coloured by political affiliation and sentiments hence, It becomes pertinent I plead that you fastened your seat belt of expectations towards this issues based excavations as we take off this flight of political discourse and dissection of characters,roles and the possible climax and resolution of this show.

It is not surprising to me that the political ship of Akwa Ibom state is being tossed as the present especially after Chief Godswill Godswill Obot Akpabio moved towards the broom division of political affiliation, he has many supporters and countless followers with arms extending to the State of Assembly and thus it was expected that loyalty and solidarity will be displayed one way or the other.

Hon. Idongesit Ituen displayed that which led to a suit being commenced at the Federal High Court, Uyo presided over by Hon.Justice Riman seeking for a restraining order against the speaker from declaring the seat of the Mr Ituen vacant by virtue of his dumping the political party PDP that sponsored him to office,

as a lawyer I have decided not to delve into some legal issues and the intelligence of commencing that Suit by Originating Summon, since it is known that such a mode of commencement was likely to get the pronouncement of the court very fast,

Bassey Dan-Abia Esq will be swift to remind me that every trial has its game plan, I thought the game plan of that suit was to buy time and Writ of Summons would have done the job and in any case resort would have first been made to the state High court first obviously knowing that the issue of jurisdiction will arise and thus the game would have been sustained.

Yet they chose Federal High Court over State High Court and Originating Summons over Writ of Summons, the defendants counterclaimed against the plaintiff and it succeeded, that's legally novel ! In a political case one ought bebe proactive and expectant of anything.

In fact, who am I to question their decision and their wisdom after all, I promised myself not to give an opinion on the propriety or otherwise of their legal steps and calculations!

Back to our issue of discourse>>>

Finally the court decided against Ituen which led to the speaker declaring his seat vacant amidst social and political controversies and chants of Warsaw saw War or if you like describe it as Warsaw to see War.

Before the respective parties will settle to leak the wounds of defeat and pop their champagne of their Victory, Justice Riman granted a stay of execution, what a judicial waywardness?

In any case, it is a settled law that no matter how wayward and senseless a decision of Court may appear or be, it is still binding on parties until set aside, thus on the strength of this Hon Ituen continues to enjoy his privileges, incentives and office as a Member representing the sunshine people of ITU state Constituency, AKSHA period.

The only option open to Mr Speaker and the House is appeal to the Court of Appeal which I believe their chiefest ground will likely be:

'The trial court erred in Law when he granted the relief of stay of execution against the respondent when the appellant seat had already been declared vacant'

Huh, legal scholars will saturate my inbox with various and recent authorities to the extent that one cannot restrain an already completed act, but that is certainly the Christmas political knot that only the Court of Appeal is clothed with the requisite jurisdiction and capacity to untie at the moment.

The political perspective©

>it is sad when paid political advisers cannot see beyond their nose, they think that being advisers starts and end at being at the bar morning, noon and nights feasting over pots of Ishewu/Nkwobi and whores as loosed gluttonous Canons. That office certainly transcends beyond those mundane things, in Akwa Ibom State political science students can simply come and understudy a classic situation of gross failures of Political Advisers in SAs and PAs in the boardroom of governance with only few exceptions.

I have been trained to interpret political scripts from my infantry days and the ability to identify a script about to unfold has always been an advantage to my clique from time immemorial and this farce and political show happening in Akwa Ibom state is no exception.

Now it has consumed the Indigenous Commissioner of Police that was somehow sympathetic to the Umbrella group, a new CP is here to interpret a script sent to him from above and his ability to effectively interpret same will determine the duration of his stay to help in the general election or not,

Do not take for for granted that Hon. NSE Ntuen emerged as a 'garveless' speaker of a four Man Assembly, obviously that legislative rascality, discard of ethics and abrogation of power cannot survive beyond the realms of social media euphoria but I call for serious and calculated political steps that the aim of declaring a state of emergency or any security sanction against the state will not be achieved as a grand ploy towards 2019 general election,

While we await the Court of Appeal decision, the suspense game continues.

Christian Tom of Counsel writes from Akwa Ibom State this 21st November 2018.

VIOLENCE AT AKHA: STAY OF EXECUTION ORDER, TOO LITTLE TOO LATE FOR ITUEN, OTHERS –BARR. ANDEM

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

The Special Assistant to the Governor Legal Matters, Barr. Ndem Andem, has described the efforts by the former member representing Itu State Constituency, Hon. Idongesit Ituen, to obtain a stay of execution from the Federal High Court in order to reverse his eviction from the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, as a move rather too late.

Speaking on a live radio programme, Akwa Ibom Rising, on Inspiration FM on developing issues in the polity, Barr. Andem stated that the Stay of Execution cannot be granted on an action that has already been carried out, adding that the seat has already been deemed vacant and stay of execution cannot return Idongesit Ituen and his co-travelers back on seat.

He said “The seats had already been declared vacant on Monday as provided by the Constitution of the country.

"Mr. Idongesit Ituen, and his co-travelers remain former members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, except a higher court gives contrary ruling in their favour.”

"There was nothing wrong to justify the defections by the lawmakers to APC as required by the constitution. It was a follow-follow defection."


"Stay of Execution cannot be granted on an action that has already been carried out. The seat has already been deemed vacant and stay of execution means that the status quo remains. What is the status quo?

"The status quo as that the seats had on Monday been declared vacant as provided by the constitution of our country. Mr. Idongesit Ituen, and his co-travelers remain former members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, except a higher court gives contrary ruling in their favour. "

It could be recalled that Idongesit Ituen had left the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state without providing tangible reasons.

According Barr. Andem, there was no crisis or division in the PDP to justify the defection of any member as required by the Constitution, unlike the crisis in APC that gave birth to Reformed APC at the national level and the Real APC in the state, hence the decision of the member representing Uruefong Oruko State Constituency, Hon. Asuquo Archibong, to decamp from APC to PDP as required by the Constitution.

"No APC member challenged the defection of Hon Archibong, because it was difficult for any of the factions to lay claims on him."

Barr Ndem said that the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Onofiok Luke, gave the five former lawmakers, what he termed reasonable time to provide credible evidence but they failed, hence his decision to act on the order of the court to declare their seats vacant.

It would be recalled that the matter in the federal high court was even instituted by Hon. Idongesit Ituen, who sought the protection of the court to prevent the speaker from declaring his seat vacant.

The speaker had filed a counterclaim, seeking for “a declaration that having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress before the expiration of the tenure of four years for which he was elected to serve, Hon. Idongesit Ntuen has therefore lost his seat as a lawmaker in the State House of Assembly.

The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo and presided over by Justice F.O. Riman, passed a verdict asking Idongesit Ituen to vacate the Itu State Constituency seat in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly with immediate effect with reference to the Constitution of the Federation according to section 109 sub 1 (g).

The court order also restrained the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly or any other person acting on his behalf (including the staff of the House of Assembly) from further recognising Hon. Idongesit Ituen as a member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Idongesit Ituen however approached the same High Court on Wednesday, 21 November, 2018, and got an order from the same Justice Riman granting a stay of execution on the ruling that he earlier gave which gave a notice prompting the Speaker to sack Ituen and was carried out.