House of Assembly Saga: “Stay of execution order by High Court coming too late” – Barr. Andem

By: Udeme Inyang, Newslinkng.com

The seemingly frantic effort of expelled Itu State Constituency Lawmaker, Hon. Idongesit Ituen to reverse his eviction from the House of Assembly by obtaining a stay of execution from Federal High Court in Uyo has been described as a wild goose chase by radical lawyer, BarrNdem Andem.

It can be recalled that it was the ousted lawmaker who first approached the court to seek an injunction restraining the speaker from declaring his seat vacant. Rather shockingly, sitting on the case, Justice Riman of the Uyo Federal High Court instaed passed a verdict sacking him(Ituen) from the House last week while making reference to the constitution of the federation according to section 109 sub 1 (g).

Accordingly, on Monday, November 19, 2018, the Speaker of the House, Barr. Onofiok Luke acted the orders of the court which mandated the speaker and the House to forthwith cease recognizing Idongesit Ituen as member.

However, approaching the same High Court on Wednesday, Noveember 21, 2018, Ituen sought for, and got an order from the same Justice Riman granteing a stay of execution on the ruling that he earlier gave which gave a  notice prompting the speaker to sack Ituen and which the speaker has already carried out.

However, talking on a radio programme, Akwa Ibom Rising, on Inspirational Fm on Wedesday, Barr Andem said the stay of execution has arrived too late to make any impact.

“Stay of Execution cannot be granted on an action that has already been carried out. The seat has already been deemed vacant and stay of execution means that the status quo remains. What is the status quo?

“The seats had on Monday been declared vacant as provided by the constitution of the country. Mr. Idongesit Ituen, and his co-travelers remain former members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, except a higher court gives contrary ruling in their favour, ” Barr. Ndem Andem explained.