A’Ibom APC saga: Austin Utuk close to toppling Akan Udofia’s candidature
The Federal High Court siting in Uyo on Monday almost adopted final addresses to rule in favour of Mr. Augustine Utuk, an aspirant for APC governorship ticket.
This adoption could have brought judgement and banish Akan Udofia from parading himself as Akwa Ibom State APC governorship candidate but not for ‘practice direction’; a court supplemental protocol to regular rule for special circumstances in civil and criminal processes.
Justice A. A.Okekek was earlier expected to adopt final written addresses based on Barr. T. Golden account representing the complainant Austin Utuk. It would be recalled that the APC and Akan Udofia failed to filed response or appear until the final hour. The court had previously directed counsel to Austin Utuk to present his written address as the defendants failed to respond in court after 10 days.
Godwin Obla, SAN, representing Akan Udofia had argued that he is within regulated time to file his response and enter defence.
The court owned up to the errors as oversight on the part of the court as it was thought that the counsel to the plaintiff filed the suit through Originating summons instead of Writs of motions.
The court therefore asked all parties to file responses within 3 days for the plaintiff and 5 days for the defendants counsel.
All parties were required to secure their witnesses, a maximum of two per upon next sitting. The case was adjourned to the 5th of September 2022 after which proceedings will thereafter continue on day to day basis.