Court sacks Akwa Ibom speaker

The court of appeal sitting in Abuja has nullified the election of Aniekan Uko, speaker of the Akwa Ibom state house of assembly.

Moshood Abdulrahman, who chaired a panel of three judges, upheld the ruling of the tribunal, which had earlier upturned his victory in the April election.

The tribunal based its decision on violence and malpractice.

However, in its ruling on Tuesday the appellate court said the tribunal was right in nullifying Uko’s election.

The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election in the constituency.

Uko, a first-term lawmaker, represents Ibesikpo-Asuntan constituency in the assembly.

He beat Onofiok Luke of Nsit Ubium and Ime Okon of Ibiono Ibom, both ranking lawmakers, to the position.