TRIBUNAL THROWS OUT PETITION AGAINST IKONO FEDERAL LAWMAKER

TRIBUNAL THROWS OUT PETITION AGAINST IKONO FEDERAL LAWMAKER

The National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Uyo, Friday dismissed the petition challenging the election of Hon Emmanuel Ukpong-udo as member of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency.

The tribunal dismissed the petition jointly filed by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and their candidate, Edidiong Idiong, citing breach of procedure on the part of the petitioners.

The tribunal ruled that the petitioners failed to file the mandatory application for pre-trial within the stipulated 7days.

The legal implication of today’s decision is that the petition filed by the APC and its candidate for the Ini/Ikono Federal Constituency has been laid to rest.

Appearing for the petitioners were Ubong Offiong of Victor Iyanam & CO while Barr. Godwill Umoh, O. B. Akpan, Anietie Bassey, Linus Uduk were present for the first respondent, PDP.

The second respondent, Hon Emmanuel Ukpong-udo, was represented by Solomon Umoh SAN, Emmanuel Akpan, Ekemini Udim, Santos Eleja, Clement Imoh and Nsima Akpabio Akpabio