Kaduna Governor Sacked By Tribunal, Yields Unusual Praise For Judgment

The March 18 governorship election in Kaduna State, which brought in Senator Uba Sani of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has been declared inconclusive.

The declaration was made by the Kaduna State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Kaduna in Thursday.

Sani was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

But Sani’s emergence as governor was challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Rt. Hon. Isah Mohammed Ashiru.

The PDP challenged the declaration of Sani before the Tribunal and urged it to declare Ashiru as the winner of the election instead.

During the hearing of the petition, the PDP and Ashiru called 24 witnesses and presented claims and documents to prove their case.

The three-man panel of Justices led by Justice Victor Oviawe, ordered a rerun in 24 polling units in seven wards of four local government areas of the State consisting of 16,300 registered voters.

However in a twist, the Kaduna State Government in a reaction welcomed the decision of the court with a position that the tribunal upheld Governor Sani’s election.

The governor’s spokesperson, Muhammad Lawal in a statement said the Governor has welcomed the judgment of the tribunal which upheld his election, describing the verdict as a win for democracy,the rule of law,validation of the people’s will and above all, God’s decree.

He said: “On this historic day, I join the people of Kaduna state to celebrate this monumental victory for democracy” the Governor stated.

“I consider this verdict not only as a win but a call to action,a call to deliver on our campaign promises as captured in the SUSTAIN agenda .This victory is a testament to the strength of our great judicial institutions and a proud moment for me as one of the pioneer advocates for democratic governance in Nigeria decades ago”

“The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe and I,express our immense gratitude to the good people of Kaduna State for their prayers, support and firm belief in our mandate. Indeed,your unshaken loyalty and confidence in our administration is the propellant to ensuring we continue to deliver on our promises to you.” Governor Sani added.

The Governor while commending the tribunal judges for their diligence and steadfastness in handling the case, described their commitment to upholding truth, justice and the rule of law as exemplary.

However, OSUN DEFENDER is yet to ascertain if Governor Sani or his opponent Ashiru, will take the matter to the Court of Appeal, going by the split judgement earlier reported.

• Sodiq Yusuf