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

In recognition of their outstanding performance, the best-performing civil servants across all ministries, departments, and parastatals in Akwa Ibom State will each receive N1m.

This reward will be part of the upcoming “ARISE Happy Hour and Evening of Rewards” hosted by Governor Umo Eno on February 6, 2025.

A statement issued by the chairman of the organising committee and Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, on Wednesday, highlighted that the public servants would be rewarded for their “dedication and excellence.”

The beneficiaries were nominated during the December 2024 ministerial briefings held in the state.

Uwah said, “The 50 winners of the Arise Home Farmers Scheme would receive a N500,000 grant each, while the best civil servants in all MDAs would receive N1m each in recognition of their dedication and excellence.”

In addition to honoring civil servants, Governor Eno will also disburse N300m to 400 trained female youths under the Ibom LED Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme, with each beneficiary receiving N750,000.

Uwah also revealed that the event would feature other awards, including recognition for the best-performing local government areas from Christmas Unplugged 2024. The event will also include a special performance by highlife music icon Flavour.

The statement added, “Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, is set to host an electrifying ARISE Happy Hour and Evening of Rewards, a night of music, recognition, and celebration, featuring a special live performance by Africa’s highlife king, Flavour.”

It emphasised that the event aims to provide top-tier entertainment while showcasing the administration’s commitment to “empowering and rewarding the people of Akwa Ibom for their hard work.”

According to the statement, the governor will also honour individuals and groups who have excelled in their respective fields, with a special focus on female youths, whom the administration considers “the state’s greatest cheerleaders in its support structure.”