By: Eben Enasco Kingsley (Benin City)
It was jubilation galore following the judgment of the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City upholding the April 11 State Houses of Assembly Victory of Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha representing Edo East Constituency.
The Three-man Panel while reviewing the Petition filled in by the Peoples Democratic Party Candidate, Mr. Monday Osadebamwen Okoro Lion noted that the petition lacks merit as no notable counsel appended signatures on the petition filed; challenging the April 11,2015 of the State House of Assembly that emerged All Progressive Congress, APC, candidates winner of the election. The petition filed-in, also stated that, Hon. Iyoha’s certificates were allegedly forged.
However, after valid proof and evidences over the alleged forgery, the court dismissed the allegation while sighting failure to move the claim beyond reasonable doubt; adding that the registrar of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, AAU, the Headmaster of Oba – Akenzua Primary School and officials of the West African Examination Council, WAEC have all confirmed ownership of the certificate presented by the APC candidates as authentic.
The Tribunal however, mandated the claimant to pay the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira in favor of the accused person, Hon. Osaigbovo.
Responding shortly after the judgment by the presiding panel, the Personal Assistant to Hon. Iyoha, Comrade Paul Ibuje said, the judgment was a victory for democracy urging his supporters and the good people of his constituency to continue to believe and be assured that dividends of democracy would be delivered as promised during the electioneering campaigns.
