Young Progressives Party to appeal conviction of governorship candidate, says party leadership
The Young Progressives Party (YPP) Akwa Ibom State Chapter has declared that it is going to appeal the Thursday sentence of its Governorship Candidate, Senator Bassy Albert by a Federal High Court Uyo for corruption.
Penpushing reports that, the chairman of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) Governorship campaign in Akwa Ibom, Emem Akpabio, made this known in reaction to the sentence, describing the court judgment as judicial absurdity and travesty of justice.
The politician and former Commissioner for Finance, it is recalled was handed over 42 year jail term, which is to run concurrently for seven years , by Justice Agatha Okeke, having found him guilty of charges preferred against him by the Economic and Crimes Commission(EFCC)
Penpushing further reports that, the convict, a senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East District, was accused and prosecuted by the anti-graft agency of receiving a bribe of 12 cars worth N254 million from an oil marketer, Olajide Omokore, while serving as commissioner for finance in Akwa Ibom State between 2010 and 2014.
The Senator who was a former member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, but crossed to Young Progressives Party (YPP), to secure Governorship ticket ahead of the forthcoming general elections, has since been taken to Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom, to serve his prison terms
Penpushing also reports that, while reacting, leadership of the party in the state in a statement released hours after the Presidential hopeful was taken to prison, said the party would appeal the judgment, and called on the party supporters to remain calm.
The Chairman declared that the Young Progressives Party (YPP) campaign condemns and rejects the conviction and jailing of the candidate, arguing that his innocence was glaringly obvious from day one that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) instituted the case.
Penpushing reports that, Akpabio posited that, the dust the judgment has stirred against the judiciary would only be redeemable by a reversal ,adding that the development was a temporary setback designed to test their faith and propel the party to the height of freedom.
The party boss cited the Biblical figure, Joseph, who came from prison to become the Prime Minister of Egypt, as well as drawing attention to Nelson Mandela, who came from prison to become South African president.
“The mission to redeem Akwa Ibom State from the decadent administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel remains unstoppable. In this regard, we make bold to declare publicly that Mr Albert remains the arrowhead of this movement, and we collectively and individually stand by him and remain irrevocably committed to this genuine cause’, he stated
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