Rivers tribunal sacks PDP senator

The three-man panel of the Rivers State election petition tribunal has sacked Senator George Sekibo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The representative of Rivers East Senatorial District was dismissed by the petition in Abuja on Thursday, June 29, 2017.

ALSO READ: PDP’s George Sekibo wins Rivers East senatorial seat

The Rivers State National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal also ruled that Sekibo's opponent, Chief Andrew Uchendu, is the true winner of the senatorial seat, and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue him a certificate of return.

Chief Uchendu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had contested INEC's decision to award the December 10, 2016 victory to Sekibo after neglecting to recognise the results of some wards and polling units in the districts.

Sekibo was declared winner by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) returning officer, Oji Ekumankama on Monday, December 12.

According to Ekumankama, Sekibo won 93,098 votes to defeat ChiefUchendu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had 34,193 votes.

The panel, sitting at Apo Quarters in the Federal Capital Territory, agreed with Uchendu, saying he won the lawful majority vote cast and instructed INEC to withdraw the certificate of return that had been issued to Sekibo.

The 60-year-old Sekibo was first elected to the Senate in 2007, and also won his first reelection.

In reaction to the tribunal's ruling, Sekibo told the Premium Times that he'll contest the ruling at an Appeal Court.

The lawmaker said, "We are going to appeal and I believe that the Appeal Court will see the truth better and vindicate us."

He is expected to continue as Senator until a possible final ruling by the Supreme Court.