The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Uyo Federal Constituency, Hon. Michael O. Enyong, is facing a legal challenge over allegations that he failed to disclose a previous criminal conviction in documents submitted in connection with his candidature for the House of Representatives.
Enyong, who was seeking re-election at the time, was challenged in Suit No. CV/1017/19 filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by Hon. Ekerete Ekpenyong.
According to the claimant, certified copies of court records from Fort Bend County, Texas, United States, indicated that Enyong had previously pleaded guilty to a theft-related charge and was sentenced by the court.
Ekpenyong is arguing that the alleged conviction should have been disclosed in the relevant documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly as the conviction was said to have occurred within the period prescribed by law.
The claimant is therefore asking the court to determine whether Enyong was qualified to contest the 2019 election to the House of Representatives in view of the alleged conviction and the information contained in his sworn documents.
Among the reliefs being sought is a declaration that Enyong was not qualified to contest the election on the grounds that he allegedly concealed material information concerning his criminal record and made false declarations under oath.
Ekpenyong is also asking the court to declare the Federal House of Representatives seat for the Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency vacant and direct INEC to withdraw the certificate of return previously issued to Enyong.
The claimant further seeks an order directing Enyong to refund salaries and allowances allegedly received as a member of the House of Representatives between 2015 and 2019, should the court rule in his favour.
The suit also raises questions over information allegedly supplied by Enyong concerning his date of birth and academic qualifications.
According to the claimant, Enyong stated in an affidavit sworn at the High Court Registry in Abuja on August 15, 2018, that his date of birth was August 31, 1969, while the claimant maintains that available documents indicate a different date of birth.
The suit also questions Enyong’s claimed Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Warren National University and raises questions concerning his educational history.
The claimant contends that the alleged inconsistencies in Enyong’s personal information, coupled with the issues surrounding his academic qualifications and the alleged criminal conviction, should be considered by the court in determining his eligibility to contest the election.
The allegations contained in the suit remain matters for judicial determination, and the filing of the case does not by itself establish that the claims against Enyong are true.
The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine whether the allegations are sufficient to affect Enyong’s eligibility and candidature for the election.
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