Akwa Ibom APC's Attack On Tribunal chairman: When Bribe Refuses To Speak

Akwa Ibom APC's Attack On Tribunal chairman: When Bribe Refuses To Speak

Emmanuel Ukeme

The recent wailing of Akwa Ibom APC and subsequent call for the resignation of Justice Jennifer Mbalamen Ijohor, Chairman Panel 2, National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal is a clear indication that the APC is an anti-justice party. We have all followed the proceedings since the beginning of hearing in the election petition tribunal.

The APC before now seemed to have been satisfied with the choice of Justice J M Ijohor and the way she was handling the cases brought before her. But why are they wailing now?

Although we know that crying in a bit to win sympathy is part and parcel of the APC, especially in Akwa Ibom state, but why now?

Prior to the 2019 general election, the APC manipulated the security architecture in the country which led to the transfer of 3 commissioners of Police(CP) to and out of Akwa Ibom in less than 24 hours.

As if that was not enough, the APC just few days to the election embarked on a protest and called for the redeployment of Mike Igini, Akwa Ibom Resident Electoral Commissioner. The question that tasked a curious mind then was: why the protest at that particular time?

Without mincing words, the APC is fond of wailing like babies when their evil plans and strategies are turned down.

For instance, before the APC called for the redeployment of Mike Igini, they had attempted to bribe him to dance to their tune, at the expense of the decision of Akwa Ibom people. In fact, the APC sent one Maurice Ekpenyong to bribe Mike Igini with 2 billion naira and other incentives. But the REC turned down the satanic offer of the APC to the amazement of the APC. They went ahead to try other means to convince Igini to manipulate the election results in their favour, but he remained adamant. Hence, the APC started crying and calling for his redeployment just few days to the election.

And now, the recent drama which is consistent with Akwa Ibom APC is an aftermath of their bribery effort to thwart justice. It has failed again, and so like a naughty child, shedding crocodile tears is the stock in trade of the APC.

Like they did to Mike Igini, the APC had again sent one Maurice Ekpenyong to bribe Justice Jennifer Mbalamen Ijohor to manipulate the case at the election petition tribunal, but she refused to heed to their sinister move. And now, they are on it again, wailing and crying before media men. This is preposterous.

If not for judicial ethics, we would have called on Justice Jennifer Ijohor to testify whether Maurice Ekpenyong did not approach her with the intention of thwarting the cause of justice.

I read their lame argument as to why Jennifer Ijohor should resign. They cited the resignation of Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, erstwhile president of the Court of Appeal, whose husband is said to be a strong APC supporter. They failed to understand that the PDP raised that issue before hearing commenced. What were they waiting for? Did they not know that Prof. Anthony Ijohor, husband to Justice Jennifer Ihojor was a PDP member? Why are they crying now?

The APC thought that they would have their way, because they have always believed that what money cannot do, more money can do. But this has become a farce. It does not hold water again. People have come to realize the damaging effect of thwarting justice, and have resisted by all means anything that would mortgage the integrity of the judiciary.

And this would never go well with the APC who are known for cutting corners and feasting on falsehood.

In all this, can the APC boldly say that the judgment of Justice Jennifer Ijohor reflects the judgment of a compromised judge? What argument do they have to prove that Justice Jennifer Ijohor would not be objective in the discharge of her responsibilities. Is it simply because her husband has been appointed Secretary to the Government of Benue State? What relationship does Benue state government have with Akwa Ibom state government ? Was Benue state before now not controlled by the APC? If Prof. Anthony Ijohor were to be appointed SSG by an APC governor, would Akwa Ibom APC shamelessly cry for help? What on earth has happened to Akwa Ibom APC that they have totally lost every sense of dignity, integrity and sincerity?

It is no longer funny.

Truth is, Akwa Ibom APC have seen their ill-prepared legal outing, just like their poor outing during the just concluded election, and they have sensed that they won't go anywhere. They are now crying. Even if Justice Jennifer Ijohor would resign, and another Judge takes over the case, Akwa Ibom APC would go no where. How would one man be the only person handling APC cases from governorship to National and State house of Assembly? 

The truth has come to the market place, and there is nothing the APC can do. They can only cry, but their tears are more like the ones we see in movies. They are only good for entertainment. Let them continue to act their drama, we are following them as the scenes unfold.