Umana vs Udom: Appeal Court set to rule * Date may be fixed this week * Says, we are studying briefs of APC, PDP

Ahead of the Appeal Court ruling in the case between Obong Umana Okon Umana of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Udom Emmanuel of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), there is palpable tension in the state as members of both camps are doing all within their capacity to earn a favourable verdict.

The Peoples Democratic Party is banking on the Appellate Court to set aside the ruling of the tribunal which nullified elections in 18 local government areas of the state but the opposition All Progressives Congress are praying the Appellate court to cancel the entire election. Sources from both camps hinted THE INK that there is anxiety in both camps with the date for the all important judgment getting ever closer.

Our judiciary correspondent gathered that judgment on the case will be delivered any time soon, probably over the weekend in order to beat the deadline of determining election cases. It could be recalled that the Appellate Court had adopted briefs from both parties last week.

Unconfirmed reports has it that Umana Okon Umana has accused the judiciary of double-standards as regards the judgement recently delivered in favour of Senator Godswill Akpabio in the case between Chief Inibehe Okori and the Minority Leader. While those who accuse UOU of challenging the judges who adjudicated the case between Akpabio and Okori are said to be sympathetic to Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has equally accused Governor Udom Emmanuel of trying to bribe the Appeal court judges in order to have a favourable ruling. 

While the people of Akwa Ibom State are looking forward to the Appellate court’s verdict with bated breath, political commentators are of the view that it is one judgment that will shape the political structure of the state.