Tribunal dismisses Omo-Agege's petition, upholds election of Sen. Amori, PDP

chika ebuzor

October 26, 2015 7:51 AM

The judge said that Omo-Agege was unable to prove the allegations of electoral irregularities: snatching of ballot boxes, financial inducement of voters and cases of over voting contained in his petition.

A court of justice

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba on Saturday dismissed the petition filed by Ovie Omo-Agege of the Labour Party (LP).

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Omo-Agege had gone to the tribunal to challenge the election of Sen. Ighoyota Amori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Delta Central.

He sought the nullification of the declaration of Amori as the Senator-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In its ruling, the three-man tribunal, headed by Justice L I Boufini, however, held that the petitioner failed to prove the allegations in his petition before the tribunal.

"The allegations of the petitioner, including his eight witnesses, were based on hearsay, and the law does not entertain arguments based on hearsay.

"This tribunal has considered the arguments of the petitioner and the defence of the respondents.

"It is, therefore, our view that the petitioner failed to prove the allegations of electoral irregularities beyond reasonable doubt.

"In the light of the above, the petition is hereby dismissed," the judge said.

Reacting to the judgment, Omo-Agege, told newsmen that he was not giving up on his petition, adding that he was determined to appeal the ruling of the tribunal.

"We filed all our addresses as expected, but unfortunately, the ruling of the tribunal today is not what we expected.

"However, we are going to appeal the judgment, because we believe we have a good case," Omo-Agege said.

chika ebuzor