Chidi Samuel
The accusation and counter accusations surrounding the recent arrest of several court Judges continued unabated Thursday with Mr. Ebebe Ukpong, the Pastor whom Justice Inyang Okoko accused of leading Mr Umana Umana to his house, denying that he lead anybody to Justice Okoro’s house to discuss issue of bribe.
In a statement on Thursday Pastor Ukpong said he neither lead anybody to Justice Okoro nor attended any meeting in the Judge’s house to discuss such issue.
“I have never led anyone to Justice Okoro nor attended any meeting in his house where the issue of bribery, corruption of any kind or perversion of justice was discussed.
“Of course, I could never have and will never contemplate such as it is against my personal principles informed by my relationship with the Almighty God. I stand always for the truth, integrity and fairness,” the statement added.
Ukpong, who described Justice Okoro as a brother, whom he had known for three decades, said he had lived and worked above politics and partisanship.
He said, “I have read in the social media and several newspapers since the night of Tuesday, October 18, 2016, a letter purportedly written by Honourable Justice John I Okoro, JSC, and addressed to the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, National Judicial Council.
“In the said letter, Justice Okoro alleged that I led Mr. Umana Umana to visit with him in his residence without giving any details of such visit. Many reactions have followed. I’m constrained to make this statement for record purpose: I have known, in adult context, Hon. Justice Okoro for more than three decades now. He is my brother.
“I have never led anyone to Justice Okoro nor attended any meeting in his house where the issue of bribery, corruption of any kind or perversion of justice was discussed. Of course, I could never have and will never contemplate such as it is against my personal principles informed by my relationship with the Almighty God. I stand always for the truth, integrity and fairness.”
