…..He has a rich history of mandate kidnapping -PDP …Appeal Court insist on 11th October, 2017 for hearing
By Anny MICHAELS
The plot by Mr Bassey Etim to confuse the Court of Appeal in Calabar failed on Thursday when the purported forged letter that PDP has withdrawn from the case between Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert (OBA) and himself was sent to the court of Appeal and PDP wrote back to the court that it was indeed forged when the extant case is with the court and billed for hearing on 11th October, 2017.When the case was called in the Appellate Court the Justices frowned at why any matter related to the case should come up for mention maintaining that it must have been done in error by the registry.The justices accordingly asked that all matters concerning the case should be reserved for 11th October, 2017 for hearing as earlier scheduled on the 12th of June, 2017 when the matter was first mentioned .The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Akwa Ibom State Chapter in a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Barr. Ini Ememobong said the party is insisting that justice will be the foundation for the determination of the Appeal by Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert against the judgment of the Federal High Court,2 Uyo. The statement in part reads ”No amount of intrigues employed by persons with a rich history of mandate kidnapping will help in any way of which Mr. Bassey Etim is known for”.Commenting on the court decision , O.B Akpan Esq, counsel to Senator Bassey Albert(OBA) said that the development was strange and indicative of the degree of desperation employed by those seeking to arm-twist justice.He disclosed that the court has again adjourned the Appeal to 11th October,2017 for hearing .It could be recalled that in December 2014 the PDP held nomination (primary) to select her Senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District at the Uyo township stadium and at the conclusion of that process Obong Bassey Albert emerged the winner which later translated to his landslide victory at the general election. Mr Bassey Etim had challenged the victory at the Federal High Court 2,Uyo and in an ostracized manner obtained judgment in his favour even when he did not participate in the said primary. The incumbent Senator Bassey Albert (OBA) dissatisfied with the judgment entered an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Calabar where the matter is still pending.PDP Lawyer in the suit , Barr O. B,.Akpan Esq had mentioned that the Appeal case between Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert and Mr Bassey Etim should go on in the court and the forged purported Letter of withdrawal from the case earlier sent to the court by unknown persons should be stood down.The Justices thereafter had declared ”This matter is for the extant date 11th October, 2017 and arguments by parties will be entertained on that date.With this development, Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert (OBA) remains the authentic Senator representing the good people of Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District in the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and still Chairs the Senate Committee on Gas Resources.
