By Jennifer Ugwueke
Professor Peter Ogban of the department of Soil Science, University of Uyo, has been sentenced to 36 months imprisonment over electoral malpractices.
The professor was found guilty of electoral fraud charges levelled against him by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Akwa Ibom State High Court 2, sitting in Ikot Ekpene, and presided over by Justice Augustine Odokwo, on Thursday, sentenced the accused to 36 months of correctional service on the second count charge and imposed a fine of N100,000 on the first count charge after the accused pleaded for leniency.
Dgovscoops reports that INEC had dragged Ogban to Court on a two-count charge of fraudulently tampering with the election results in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2019 general election in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.
Ogban, who acted as the Collation/Returning Officer during the National Assembly election, was standing trial for allegedly manipulating and falsifying election results in Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo Local Government areas in favour of the APC.
Prof. Ogban had pleaded for mercy on the premise that he had dependants, including a 90-year-old mother to take care of, adding that he was a respectable member of his Community and a very valuable and sought-after lecturer.
“If I lose my source of income, it means all of my dependants I have mentioned would suffer, especially the condition of my aged mother.
“This is an eye-opener for anyone who participates in local, State or national activities to do so with dexterity and not take anything for granted to avoid an innocent person being embarrassed.
“I should be pardoned for the inability to do this which is why I am here today. I plead that you grant me 100 percent mercy and allow me to go and continue with my responsibilities,” he pleaded.
Counsel to the defendant, Anthony Ekpe, had earlier prayed the Court to pardon the accused, saying the act for which Ogban was found guilty had no effect on the said elections.
Ekpe argued that as a professor of Soil Physics and Conservation, the accused was highly sought after in the academic world and should not be deprived of his freedom.
“It was just a blip in the entire election process and cannot be said to have been to the detriment of the party said to have suffered. It could just as well have been an oversight or a mistake.
“We plead with my Lord not to deprive the accused of his liberty and seek particularly for another form of punishment. We plead that the Court tamper justice with mercy.”
On the judgment of the Court, Ekpe said the accused would file for an appeal.
Also speaking, Counsel to INEC, Clement Onwenwunor, applauded the Court for the novel ruling on the electoral fraud case, saying “the Court judgment is commendable”.
He added: “The law for which the accused was found guilty makes provision for an option of fine or 36 months imprisonment without an option of fine.”
He, therefore, pleaded that the Court be merciful to the accused.