Election fraud: Prof Ignatius Uduk seeks reassignment to another judge

Ini Billie, Uyo

Professor Ignatius Uduk, who was charged with three counts of announcing and publishing false election results, as well as lying under oath, is seeking the re-assignment of his case to another judge.

Uduk, a Professor of Physical and Health Education at the University of Uyo was the Collation/Returning officer for Essien Udim State constituency in the 2019 general elections, said he has lost confidence in Justice Bassey Nkanang, presiding over the case in State High Court 9.

The appeal of Uduk is coming after several delays by the defence counsel who was scheduled to begin his defence but informed the court that he has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal against an earlier judgement of the Uyo High Court that dismissed his no-case submission.

After submissions by both the prosecuting and defence counsel, the presiding judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang said the defence counsel did not follow legal procedure in informing the court of his appeal.

He ordered the defence counsel to proceed to enter his defence. However, the defence counsel did not substantiate his claim and refused to speak with journalists after the hearing.

Speaking on the development, Lead Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN) said the commission was not deterred.

“The implication of the development is that the case must start afresh under a new presiding judge to be assigned by the State Chief Judge,” he said.