After several delays based on technicalities, the trial of Professor Ignatius Uduk, accused of electoral fraud during the 2019 general elections, has begun with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), presenting its first witness.
The Head of Electoral Operations at INEC’s headquarters in Uyo, Mr Vincent Akpowene Oghene, who appeared as the first witness (PW1) presented eight documents admitted as evidence by the trial judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang.
Oghene affirmed that Prof Uduk was the Collation/Returning Officer for Essien Udim State Assembly during the 2019 General Elections and attested to the documents marked by the court as exhibits when he announced and published false election results.
During cross-examination, Counsel to the accused, Abasiodiong Ekpenyong, sought answers on the location of PW1 as at the time of the election, and if he witnessed the alleged violence that occurred on the said day.
In response, Oghene said he monitored the elections from the Office and only visited some polling units in Ukana at about 11 am when they received reports of the violence, adding that when they arrived, they saw the polling units scattered, while the electoral officers were not insight.
Ekpenyong who later sought for the adjournment of the case for further examination also prayed for bail extension of the accused on the grounds that Prof Uduk has been consistent in court for the proceedings and on time.
Justice Bassey Nkanang approved the bail extensions on the existing terms when the prosecution counsel did not object to it.
At the commencement of proceedings, counsel to INEC, Mr Clement Onwuenwunor, sought the leave of court to amend the three count charges brought against Professor Uduk in which the accused pleaded not guilty.
Speaking after the proceedings, Onwuenwunor, “Today actually started the case properly for us, the professor’s as re-arraigned today in three counts bordering on publication and announcement of false election results and you could see he pleaded not guilty to the charges, and we have opened our case today.
“We’ve called our first prosecution witness in this matter, and he has testified. All our documents have been tendered and the defence counsel has opened cross-examination, but at a point, he had to discuss with us to seek an adjournment for further examination and the matter has been adjourned for next week”.
Prof Uduk who was arraigned under charge no HU/240c/2020 is Professor of Physical and Health Education, University of Uyo.
