A High Court in Akwa Ibom has sentenced Professor Ignatius Uduk to three years in prison for publishing false election results and perjury.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) brought the charges against Uduk for his actions in the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-west State House of Assembly election.

Uduk, who served as the collation and returning officer during the election, was acquitted of announcing false results but convicted of publishing fraudulent results and committing perjury.

The legal battle began in December 2020 when Uduk was first arraigned following an arrest warrant issued for his failure to appear in court.

Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, the trial faced numerous delays, including changes in his legal defense and an incident where the professor collapsed during cross-examination.

The case was initiated by the then INEC resident electoral commissioner Mike Igini.

The court’s ruling marks a significant development in INEC’s ongoing efforts to combat electoral malpractice and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

Another Mass Communication student at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, has been reportedly rescued from attempted su!cide.

The incident happened on campus on Monday evening, February 3 2024.

Passers-by reportedly saw a rope around his neck in a nearby bush and quickly raised the alarm, leading to his rescue.

The student was rushed to the institution’s medical centre for urgent attention.

The incident comes after another student of the same department committed su!cide at his residence in the Oke-Odo area of Tanke, Ilorin.

The student, whose name was withheld, ingested a poisonous substance last week while his roommate was away attending lectures.

A su!cide note found at the scene indicated his inability to cope with the financial challenges brought on by the current economic hardship.

A source at the university told the publication that the student could not meet his financial obligations despite assistance from colleagues who contributed towards his tuition and living expenses.

A senior university official who confirmed both incidents described them as shocking and lamented the plight of students grappling with economic hardship.

GUARDIAN

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians after US President Donald Trump proposed to “take over” the Gaza Strip.

The foreign ministry “stressed its categorical rejection of any infringement on the Palestinians’ unalienable rights, and any attempts of displacement”, said a statement sent to AFP.

Trump’s proposal, aired during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, prompted criticism from around the world including close US allies Britain and France.

“The UAE underscored the importance of finding a serious political horizon to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and establish an independent Palestinian state, reflecting the UAE’s belief that regional stability can only be attained through the two-state solution,” the statement said.

AFP