AKPABIO FLOORS UDOEDEHE AGAIN, EXTENDS OLIVE BRANCH TO OPPONENTS

Governor Akpabio

Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo Monday morning struck out the petition of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its gubernatorial candidate, Senator John Akpanudoedehe that challenged the re-election of Chief Godswill Akpabio as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
 
The three – member tribunal presided over by Justice Ayuba Kwajafar in a unanimous decision struck out the petition based on the recent Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed that election matters must be disposed of within the constitutionally stipulated 180 days.
 
Counsels to Governor Akpabio, Barr. Aniefiok Dennis and Barr Uwemedimo Nwoko told newsmen that the tribunal had no option but to abide by the constitutional provisions.
 
According to Barr Dennis, the judgment was no surprise since the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling on Borno State clearly made it obvious that the petitions from the April 2011 governorship elections had exceeded their lifespan since November 2011 as provided in Section 285(6) of the constitution.
 
Reacting, Governor Akpabio said the petitions had never distracted him, as he always remained focused on transforming the lives of his people.
 
This he said was evident in the recent award of contract for an ultra-modern terminal building at the Akwa Ibom International Airport, the soon to commence work at an Olympic-sized stadium in Uyo, the on-going multi-lane third ring road, and several other roads network in the State.
 
Chief Akpabio said with the dismissal of the case, he will re-double his efforts to reposition Akwa Ibom like never before.
 
Citing the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1, Governor Akpabio posited that there was time for everything and as such the time has come for an end to the battle by the opposition in the State, even as he invited them to join him in his uncommon transformation revolution.
 
“I will be very glad to integrate them into the polity”, the governor added.
 
The State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah on his part said it was victory for the people of Akwa Ibom state, adding that the Akpabio’s judicial victory is an affirmation of the overwhelming mandate given him by the generality of the people of the State.
 
Mr. Umanah urged the people to continue to support good governance as exemplified by Governor Akpabio in the State. 
 
Also speaking, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem told reporters that the ruling means the governor and everyone will be more focused on the development of the State. “Those of us who used to attend the tribunal will now remain in our offices for more important issues, and our responsibilities and assignments will receive better attention”, Enoidem who is also the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Renewal said. 
 
Engr. Etido Inyang said it was a clear case of respect for the rule of law by the judiciary, while Chief Nse Ntuen urged the people to continue believing in Governor Akpabio as the bearer of democracy dividends to the people.
 
Several thousands of excited residents joined the in a spontaneous victory celebration march from the venue of the tribunal around major streets in Uyo, led by with former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udom Ekpoudom, some State Exco members, some state lawmakers and council chairman participating.