By Becky Usman

Former House of Representatives Spokesman, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, remains hopeful of his return to the National Assembly, despite the Akwa Ibom State National Assembly Election Tribunal dismissing his case against opponent Hon. Okpolupm Etteh. The tribunal, presided by a three-member panel in Uyo, rejected Eyiboh’s petition due to a lack of evidence to support forgery allegations.

In response to the tribunal’s decision, Hon. Eyiboh argued that they did not address his argument regarding the authenticity of the OND certificate, which he claimed was false and amounted to forgery. He also highlighted several areas of contention, including issues with the defense and documents presented by his opponent.

Despite his optimism, the tribunal’s ruling hinged on the petitioner’s failure to provide both the original and forged documents to prove forgery, according to a Supreme Court precedent cited by the respondents. Additionally, discrepancies in the names on the Primary School Certificate and other certificates presented by Hon. Okpolupm Etteh were addressed, with the tribunal suggesting that witnesses could have been called to verify the authenticity of the primary school certificate.

The three-member tribunal consisted of Hon. Justice Kudirat Jose as chairman, Hon. Justice M`uazu Abubakar, and Hon. Justice Philomena Nweke as members.