LG POLLS: PDP CHAIRMANSHIP CANDIDATE SUED OVER ALLEGED FORGERY

Barely one week after the Cross River State Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conducted its chairmanship and councillorship primaries, protests have continued to trail the primaries. Some aggrieved aspirants had dragged the party leadership to court challenging what it described as alleged irregularities.

Besides, pro-democracy groups, Centre for Free/Fair Elections and the Vanguard for Transparent Electioneering, had criticized the processes and called for an inquiry if PDP in the state indeed, would set the standard as claimed.

Daily Sun investigations revealed that the just-concluded primaries had caused disquiet, internal wrangling and disaffection among party faithful. Some of the affected aspirants were said to be looking out for an alternative platform to vent their spleen while some had vowed to remain in the party to support opposition in the August 28 council election.

It was learnt that Calabar South, Municipal, Biase, Yakurr, Akamkpa, Obudu, Ogoja and Yala local government areas witnessed some irregularities ranging from hijack of electoral materials, intimidation of perceived opponents, and falsification of results sheets.

In Obudu for instance, a chieftain of the ruling party, Mr. Nathaniel Andoya, had headed for court challenging the candidature of one Mr. Emmanuel Uminya Ikwen, as the Obudu Chapter PDP flag bearer in the pending council polls.

In a suit number HC/194/2010, filed at the High Court of Cross River State of Nigeria and dated June 29, 2010, the applicant, Mr. Nathaniel Andoya, seeking for the nullification of Mr. Ikwen's candidature alleging deceits, forgery and misrepresentation of facts in his service records.

In the suit between Andoya and Ikwen, the Cross River State Government, PDP and Commissioner for Police, the claimant, residing at number 27, Bishop Road, Obudu, is further seeking a declaration that the first defendant, Mr. Ikwen, is not a competent, fit and proper person to hold any elective position in public service of the state.

In a statement of claim brought pursuant order 5 R 4 of the High Court (Civil Procedure Rules), the complainant wants an order of perpetual injunction restraining the PDP from allowing Ikwen to contest any election as a candidate into public position in the state.

The claimant further wants the defendant to be investigated and possibly be prosecuted for receiving salary and stipends from 19994 to1998 on false pretence that he was studying guidance and counseling.

In a written argument, in support of the application, the claimants' solicitor, Ukopng Eba, Esq. is praying the court for an order for accelerated hearing to the matter. The matter, before Justice Oga of High Court 5, is slated for hearing on July 15, 2010.