From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu.

The Edeoga/Nwokeabia campaign organization has said it would challenge the outcome of the Judgement delivered by the Enugu Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on September 21, at the Court of Appeal.

This was disclosed in a statement sent to the Journalists by the spokesperson of the Edeoga/Nwokeabia campaign organization, Engineer George Ugwu.

Ugwu said that the campaign organization was prepared to challenge the  tribunal judgement that uphelds the victory of Governor Peter Mbah of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) at the court of appeal and to all extent as permitted by law.

He urged their supporters across the state and in other parts of the country to remain calm, law abiding and go about their businesses without fear or hindrance.

He further added that “we retain belief in  Justice and will go the full extent legally possible in ensuring that the hopes of Enugu people, who turned out in their numbers to vote for Labour Party candidate on March 18, 2023 are realised”

From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu

The Enugu State Gubernatorial Election Tribunal has declared Governor Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as duly elected in the March 18, governorship election in Enugu State.

The tribunal chaired by Justice Kudirat Murayo Akano also dismissed Edeoga/Labour Party’s petitions of over-voting, bypass of BVAS in the election.

The court ruled that Mbah was duly elected as governor by majority of lawful and valid votes cast at the election.

The Tribunal had earlier dismissed the allegation of Edeoga/LP that Governor Peter Mbah’s National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) discharge certificate was forged.

It held that Mbah did not submit his NYSC certificate to INEC in aid of his qualification to contest for office of governor, since he was already qualified without NYSC certificate.

The Tribunal further rejected Edeoga’s witnesses, and ruled that the LP governorship candidate did not present any admissible evidence to prove that Mbah’s certificate was forged.

The tribunal also held that to prove the issue of forgery, the petitioner must provide the original certificate and the forged one.

The panel also resolved the issue that Mbah was not elected by majority of votes cast against the petitioner.

It averred that witnesses called by the petitioners could not specify the polling units where the elections did not hold nor the results of same.

The panel further held that the petitioner failed to prove that the Mbah did not possess the minimum requirement to stand for election, which is school certificate or its equivalent.

It, therefore, said there was no evidence to support the claim that Mbah was not qualified to stand for the election.

On the issue of plea bargain by Mbah, the tribunal averred that the exhibits presented by the petitioners did not show any plea bargain by the respondent.

The court said there was an evidence presented by Mbah to the effect that he was acquitted of the charges.

Ogun Govt. to set up special Court to try cultists

Gov. Dapo Abiodun says a special Court is to be established by the Ogun Government to try cult-related cases.

Abiodun spoke after a joint security meeting, held at the Governor’s Office, in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

He said that the state government would also set up  a Joint Anti-Cultism Security Task Force comprising all major security outfits, with the mandate to rid the state of the menace of cultism.

The governor said that the state was also proposing an amnesty programme for  cultists who might wish to renounce cultism and surrender their weapons.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Abiodun had on Tuesday hinted that his administration would enact a law that would pronounce the death penalty on anyone caught engaging in cult activities in the state.

NAN reports that the governor had spoken during a visit to the Palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, following days of cult-related clashes in Sagamu, which left many dead and others injured.

The governor said that the joint security meeting focused on providing adequate measures to eradicate cultism in the state.

“During the meeting that took place today (Wednesday), we engaged in fruitful discussions regarding the implementation of measures aimed at combating cultism in the state.

“Our primary focus was on establishing a special court, forming a joint operational force comprising various security agencies, and implementing a death penalty for cultism offences.

“In addition to these measures, we also deliberated on the possibility of introducing a period of amnesty.

” This would allow individuals who wish to surrender their weapons and renounce their affiliation with any cult-related groups and activities the opportunity to do so without fear of prosecution.

” We are dedicated to providing the Special Court and Joint Anti-Cultism Security Task Force with the necessary logistics and tools to support their operations effectively,” he said.

Abiodun said that the overall objective of the meeting was to address the issue of cultism through a multifaceted approach.

He added that the approach would include legal and enforcement measures, rehabilitation efforts, and community engagement through our respected traditional leaders.

“In conclusion, we are determined to tackle the menace of cultism in our state head-on.

“This is by employing a combination of legal frameworks, law enforcement strategies, rehabilitation initiatives, and community involvement, we believe we can bring about lasting change,” he said. (NAN)