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Court of Appeal Upholds Senator Bassey Albert Akpan’s Money Laundering Conviction

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On Friday, June 23, 2023, the Calabar Division of the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction of Senator Bassey Albert Akpan on charges of money laundering.

The Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State had previously found Senator Akpan, who was the governorship candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), guilty on seven counts of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court sentenced him to 42 years imprisonment without the option of a fine.

The charges against Senator Akpan were related to allegations of receiving vehicles valued at N240 million as bribes from companies connected to Olajide Omokore, a contractor who had executed a N3 billion contract for the Government of Akwa Ibom State during Senator Bassey’s tenure as Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee.

The offense contravenes Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and is punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

However, dissatisfied with the judgment, Senator Akpan sought post-conviction bail on health grounds from a Vacation Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which was presided over by Justice S. I. Mark of the Federal High Court.

He was granted bail and subsequently continued his campaign to become the governor of Akwa Ibom State. Later, Senator Akpan appealed the judgment of Justice Okeke at the Appellate Court in Calabar, seeking to have it set aside.

During the appeal hearing, the EFCC’s counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, argued in favor of upholding the judgment of the lower court, dismissing the appeal, and revoking the bail granted to Senator Bassey, stating that “the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, and the charge was validly filed.”

In its judgment delivered on Friday, a three-man panel of the Appellate Court, led by Justice Raphael Chikwe Agbo, upheld Senator Akpan’s conviction but modified the sentence by granting him the option of a fine.

The Court also ruled that the appellant must restitute the sum of N240 million to the Federal Government through the EFCC, but this restitution would not be a prerequisite for his release from the correctional facility.

Finally, the Court revoked Senator Akpan’s bail and ordered his arrest.

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Governor Umo Eno Dissolves Akwa Ibom State Executive Council

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect, according to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah.

The dissolution affects all commissioners and special advisers, who are instructed to hand over their duties to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries. In ministries lacking permanent secretaries, the most senior director is to assume responsibility.

The governor expressed his gratitude to the outgoing council members for their service and contributions to the state’s development, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Governor Eno inherited the executive council members from his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, nearly 19 months ago.

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PDP Welcomes Founding Fathers Back to Party in Akwa Ibom State

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has celebrated the return of two prominent founding members, Chief Edet Isong and Prince Emmanuel Isong, to the party.

The Ward 2 branch of the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko formally welcomed the returnees at a grand ceremony in Uyo, marking their reintegration into the party.

Chief Edet Isong, a former Transition Chairman of Urue-Offong/Oruko, expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the PDP, describing it as “coming back home to contribute, support, and work for my family, the PDP.” He commended Governor Umo Eno’s leadership and the state’s developmental strides, citing projects like the Nsit Atai-Okobo Road as evidence of progress under the administration.

Prince Emmanuel Isong, a retired Director with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also returned to the PDP, bolstering the party’s presence in Ward 2 and the Urue-Offong/Oruko community.

The Deputy Ward Chairman, Mrs. Nkoyo Unanaonwi, expressed joy at the return of the two stalwarts, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the party and community. “Their return is a big win for our party,” she noted.

Goodwill messages flowed from stakeholders, including Hon. Victor Amah, Chief Daniel Afiakurue, and Comrade Clement Walter, who celebrated the reunion as a significant boost for the PDP.

Chief Isong, previously affiliated with the Young People’s Party (YPP) after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated his decision was influenced by the steadfast leadership in the PDP and Governor Umo Eno’s people-focused agenda.

The ceremony marked a pivotal moment for the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko, as members expressed optimism about the party’s future strengthened by the return of its founding fathers.

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Akwa Ibom PDP Declares Governor Umo Eno Sole Candidate for 2027 Governorship Election

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has endorsed Governor Umo Eno as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election, despite the general election being over two years away.

The decision, announced at the PDP Enlarged State Executive Council Meeting on 6 January 2025, was formalized in a communiqué signed by the party’s state chairperson, Aniekan Akpan. The party cited Governor Eno’s “outstanding performance” and “exemplary leadership” under his Arise Agenda as reasons for the endorsement.

“His vision has delivered significant dividends of democracy for Akwa Ibom State,” the communiqué stated.

This move effectively excludes other aspirants within the party, consolidating Governor Eno’s position as the PDP’s flagbearer in a state that has remained a PDP stronghold since 1999.

Governor Eno, who assumed office on 29 May 2023, dissolved his cabinet hours before visiting the PDP state secretariat in Uyo on Saturday.

With opposition parties like the All Progressives Congress currently weak in the state, Governor Eno appears well-positioned for a second term in 2027.

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