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POLITICS

Posted: Tuesday July 1,  2008


Tribunal voids Senator’s election

From Ralph Okhiria, Benin

 The first Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Benin City, Edo State has nullified the election of Senator Ehigie Edobo Uzamere of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Edo South Senatorial district in the Senator.
In a lead judgement delivered by a member of the tribunal, Justice O. Ogbuinya declared that the senatorial election held on April 21, 2007 was marred with irregularities.
The tribunal stated that although the respondent, Senator Ehigie Uzamere scored highest lawful votes in the election but the election was characterised by malpractices, which were inimical to the Electoral Acts.
The tribunal therefore nullified the election and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election in Edo South Senatorial district within 90 days.
The Action Congress (AC) candidate in the Edo South Senatorial District, Mr. Matthew Urhoghide had challenged the victory of Senator Uzamere in the April 21, 2007 election at the Election Petitions Tribunal.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the election of Senator Yisah Braimoh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the duly elected Senator representing Edo North Senatorial district.
In its judgment, Justice Mortar Joshua declared that the petitioner, Dr. Tunde Lakoju, could prove his case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Mukar also averred that the petitioner did not prove his case beyond reasonable doubt that with the Electoral Acts adversely affected the election.
Dr. Tunde Lakoju of the Action Congress had claimed in his petition that Senator Yisah Braimoh was not duly elected and his return certificate should be set aside.
Reacting to the judgement, Senator Braimoh who expressed happiness to God for the victory said “apart from the fact that I believe very firmly that the April 21st 2007 MANDATE that was freely given to me by the entire Afemai people of Edo North Senatorial District could not be wished away at the doorstep of any tribunal, the judgement of the Tribunal itself is a vindication of the wish of the entire people of the Edo North Senatorial district”.

 


©2005 New Nigerian Newspapers Limited.