Timothy Ajiboye
28 February 2008
Lokoja — ANXIETY has gripped residents of Lokoja the Kogi State capital and some major cities in the state as the Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja will today rule on the nullification of the election of Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon Clarence Olafemi by the state election petition tribunal.
Olafemi is currently the acting governor of the state following Court of Appeal's affirmation of the tribunal's ruling voiding the election of Governor Ibrahim Idris a fortnight ago. A fresh governorship election in the state is slated for March 29.
Before the nullification of Idris election, the tribunal in the state had last year quashed Obafemi's election.
Comrade Ben Ayo Abereoran, the candidate of Action Congress (AC) had petitioned the tribunal, praying it to nullify the election of Hon. Olafemi over act of irregularities and violence that prevented his supporters from casting their votes.
In his judgment Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ibrahim Bako explained that the petitioner had proved his case that the election was marred by irregularities, violence and did not comply with the electoral act.
Based on that he nullified the speaker's election and ordered for a fresh poll.
However, not satisfied with the judgment of the tribunal, Olafemi headed for the Court of Appeal, Abuja urging it to dismiss the judgment of the lower tribunal and return him as the duly elected member, representing Mopa-muro constituency at the State House of Assembly.
As a result of today's judgment anxiety has gripped residents of Lokoja, the and supporters of the acting prominent PDP politicians from the state yesterday moved enmasse to Abuja to hear the verdict of the Court of Appeal.
Members of the State Executive Council also relocated to Abuja for the judgment, Speaking with Daily champion, the acting governor, Clarence Olafemi said he was sure that at the end of the day victory will be on his side.
The acting governor who spoke through his Special Adviser on media, chief Kola Toluhi expressed their they confidence in the Judiciary saying that upholding the nullification of his election will may throw the State into crisis.
However, state chairman of Action Congress (AC), Hon Mike Adeleye said that the present day judiciary will still live up to expectation by upholding the verdict of the Tribunal.
According to him, "by the grace of God judgment will be on our side, we shall reclaim back our stolen mandate at the end of the judgment."
Also, speaking AC candidate, Comrade Ben Ayo Abereoran accused the acting governor of living on a stolen mandate and will be disgraced at the end of the judgment.
Abereoran urged the judiciary to save the state from the evil tendency of the embattled acting governor.
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