- Ak Kingsley
A federal High Court sitting in Uyo has struck out a case
against the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. (Barr)
Onofiok Luke, in an alleged breach of fundamental human right, holding that the
evidence brought before it cannot validate the claims that Speaker Luke
personally ordered and supervised an assault on one Mr David Udo (the
applicant) along Obot Idim Ibesikpo Road.
Delivering the ruling on Monday morning, Justice F. O. Riman,
explained that the allegation by the applicant lacks merit, as there is no
evidence to support the claim. He made it known that the court only rules on
cases based on available evidence brought before it.
Reacting to the ruling, a counsel to the defendant, Barr Ini
Ememobong, who is also the state Publicity Secretary of People's Democratic
Party (PDP), expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, adding that it
affirms the true personality of Speaker Luke, as known by everyone. He said,
"I am excited as a member of his legal team that this judgement is a
reminder to Onofiok 's humility and to humanity."
"The judgement aligns with logical reasoning. The judgement
aligns with who Akwa Ibom people know onofiok Luke to be. The judgement aligns
with the character of a young man has respect for the elders."
"That judgement confirms a young man who kneels to greet
elders. That judgement confirms a young man who prostrates to greet old women
in his village. That judgement shows that God rules over the affairs of
men", says Ini Ememobong.
Ememobong also frowned at the attempt by the applicant
represented by Barr Inibehe Effiong, to unduly exploit Rt Hon Onofiok Luke and
make money illegally. In his words, "from the history of this case there
has been a clearly intended propaganda machinery to malign the Speaker of the
Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and to corruptly enrich the applicant through
the legal apparatus of huge sum that he has never dreamt of in his entire life
and can not legally make it."
Mr Udo had filed a suit, accusing the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State
House of Assembly of breach of his fundamental right of movement and
supervising public assault on him and demanded a damage fee of Five Hundred
Million Naria (N500, 000, 000). However, the court maintained that Udo was
unable to prove his claims beyond doubt and consequently dismissed the suit for
lack of merit.
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