The Akwa Ibom APC candidate at the Akwa Ibom State tribunal had his birthday plans truncated today as information just out reveals that an initial birthday bash
was scheduled at Transcorp Hilton hotel Abuja (according to family sources)’
However, revelations of the invalidity of his APC ticket which has inadvertently destroyed the APC’s chances at the gubernatorial tribunal reduced this ‘August event’ to a cake-cutting event on the verandah of the tribunal court.
Indications emerged early August 20th, 2015, that Umana Umana’s running mate, Engr. Benedict Ukpong had not only remained as a bona fide staff of the Federal Government with the Federal Capital Development Agency (FCDA).
He was also on the payroll of the Agency long after September 2014 when he ought to have resigned his appointment, in line with the stipulations of the law.
Damning evidence emerged by way of certified true copies of Ukpong’s pay-slips from the months of October till June 2015.
This evidence seals the allegations that Engr. Ukpong violated the constitution and contravened INEC regulation
Engr. Benedict Ukpong admitted to having discovered that these payments were still being made but claimed that he had made refunds.
Unfortunately, his claim to have returned the money is weak and only succeeded in posing more questions than answers being that he failed to say precisely when he discovered these payments.
He also failed to produce no treasury receipt as evidence of any such refunds, no evidence of WHEN he returned the said funds, and no evidence of HOW MUCH he returned.
Political experts say this has all but put the last nail on the coffin of APC’s hopes at the Akwa Ibom gubernatorial tribunal and that Mr Umana’s running mate will probably soon be facing charges ranging from perjury to fraud.
Cavil Inwang
