Ousted Akwa-Ibom senator: Judge threatens withdrawal from suit

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has threatened to withdraw from a suit challenging the removal of the Senator representing Akwa Ibom East Senatorial zone, Bassey Albert Akpan, as a result of offensive publications.

At the resumed hearing, Justice Dimgba expressed disappointment over a publication casting aspersion on his person and insinuating personal interest, following the conduct of proceedings on March 8, 2017.

Counsels to Akpan, INEC and Bassey Etim denied knowledge or having a hand in the said publication.

The judge, thereafter, adjourned the matter to March 24.

Recall that Akpan’s election was nullified on February 27, 2017, and consequently sacked from the Senate by a Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was ordered to issue certificate of return to Mr Bassey Etim as winner of the National Assembly election held in the state.

He, thereafter, approached the Federal High Court Abuja with an ex parte application seeking interim preservatory orders against the INEC; the President of the Senate; Clerk of the National Assembly and Clerk of the Senate.

However, the court ordered that “the defendants/respondents shall appear on March 8, 2017 to show cause why the interim preservatory orders as sought by the plaintiff/applicant should not be granted”.