ARRAIGNMENT OF KUFRE CATER, OUR POSITION
Due to multiple enquiries, we wish to confirm that @KufreCarter was arraigned on Wednesday before the Chief Magistrates' Court of Akwa Ibom State in Charge No: MU/255C/2020 on a three count charge bothering on alleged defamation.
Due to multiple enquiries, we wish to confirm that @KufreCarter was arraigned on Wednesday before the Chief Magistrates' Court of Akwa Ibom State in Charge No: MU/255C/2020 on a three count charge bothering on alleged defamation.
Kufre is accused of "defaming" the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong.
Whether the charge has merit or is frivolous will be determined by the court. Whether it is sensible or senseless to bring this charge will also be determined by the court.
Whether the charge has merit or is frivolous will be determined by the court. Whether it is sensible or senseless to bring this charge will also be determined by the court.
As lawyers, we cannot decide anything. We have faith in the judicial system.
The bail conditions imposed by the Honourable Court on Kufre include the following:
1. Kufre was granted bail in the sum of Three Million Naira (N3, 000,000.00) with one Surety in like sum;
The bail conditions imposed by the Honourable Court on Kufre include the following:
1. Kufre was granted bail in the sum of Three Million Naira (N3, 000,000.00) with one Surety in like sum;
2. The Surety must be a Permanent Secretary with the Akwa Ibom State Government or be a civil servant on Grade Level 17;
3. The Surety must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court;
4. Kufre should obtain a letter from his Village Head attesting to his identity
3. The Surety must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court;
4. Kufre should obtain a letter from his Village Head attesting to his identity
and submit same to the Court; among other conditions.
On Wednesday, a source hinted us that the SSS and the Akwa Ibom State were in court to arraign our client. Our colleague, Mr. Augustine Asuquo had to run to the court.
On Wednesday, a source hinted us that the SSS and the Akwa Ibom State were in court to arraign our client. Our colleague, Mr. Augustine Asuquo had to run to the court.
The SSS and the Akwa Ibom State Government did not notify us at any time that they were going to arraign our client on Wednesday.
Since Monday, we have been denied access to our client by the SSS.
The Learned Magistrate remanded our client in the custody of the same SSS;
Since Monday, we have been denied access to our client by the SSS.
The Learned Magistrate remanded our client in the custody of the same SSS;
despite our appeal that he should be remanded in police custody pending when he perfects his bail conditions to enable us have access to him.
As ministers in the temple of justice, we respect and abide by the decision of the court.
As ministers in the temple of justice, we respect and abide by the decision of the court.
I know the public will like me to respond to the bail conditions. But we reserve our opinion since the matter has now been taken before the Court.
We are doing our best to perfect the bail conditions.
But one thing is certain, no human being can take the place of God.
We are doing our best to perfect the bail conditions.
But one thing is certain, no human being can take the place of God.
We have no control or power over how Governor Udom Emmanuel spends Akwa Ibom resources. If the government feels that filing this charge is part of its important responsibilities and manifesto, that is their business.
We cannot tell them to be sensible in spending public funds.
We cannot tell them to be sensible in spending public funds.
Not every government is blessed with sense.
As for the charge, we are happy that they have filed it. Since Dr. Dominic Ukpong is claiming that his reputation was injured, we will be happy to see him in the witness box as he proves to the world that he has "reputation".
As for the charge, we are happy that they have filed it. Since Dr. Dominic Ukpong is claiming that his reputation was injured, we will be happy to see him in the witness box as he proves to the world that he has "reputation".
There is a very popular admonition that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
When a man decides to run naked in the market, people in the market can't be punished for laughing at the naked man. Indeed, sometimes madness is a choice, & madness has consequences.
When a man decides to run naked in the market, people in the market can't be punished for laughing at the naked man. Indeed, sometimes madness is a choice, & madness has consequences.
Kufre does not need pity. All that he wants is a fair trial; a fair and dispassionate judicial process. That is not too much to ask for.
History will vindicate the just.
Inibehe Effiong
29th April, 2020.
History will vindicate the just.
Inibehe Effiong
29th April, 2020.
