Bassey Etim vs Senator Bassey Albert: The Contemporary Situation and Future Steps

The Federal High court sitting in Uyo, today gave judgment in a pre-election dispute between Hon Bassey Etim and Senator Bassey Albert, declaring that by estimation of the court, Hon. Etim was the rightful candidate of our Party in the Senatorial elections of 2015- this judgment is shocking and dramatic. However, as a law abiding legal entity, the State Chairman of our Party, Obong Paul Ekpo has directed the Legal department of the party to immediately file a notice of Appeal in the court of Appeal, while studying the judgment of the lower court.

It is imperative to remind the entire public that this is jut the end of round 1 of a 3 round legal encounter and therefore certainly not conclusive in any manner. It must be kept in mind that being a pre-election matter, the ultimate destination of this matter is the Supreme Court.

There is therefore no cause for alarm or panic from any quarters. We will continue to defend the truth concerning the nomination exercise conducted by our party which produced Senator Bassey Albert, as the winner in the presence of all who were in attendance. While pondering on the recent unpalatable situation, history beckons on us to take a retrospective look at the political history of the plaintiff in the case under review- Hon. Bassey Etim. He has a rich history of pre-election litigations, manipulation and orchestrated confusion.

There is one fact that we want to make abundantly clear, party tickets are won and will continue to be won in the nomination processes conducted by the party and not through the back door. Anybody seeking to attain any elective position through frivolous and baseless litigations will be the ultimate loser.

Party faithful are therefore enjoined to remain calm as we will board the most appropriate legal vehicle capable of taking us to the desired victory of truth over falsehood.

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong
State Publicity Secretary
Peoples Democratic Party
Akwa Ibom State