By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Makurdi, has affirmed the victory of Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the duly elected Governor of Benue State.
The Tribunal accordingly dismissed the petition filed by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Titus Uba against Governor Alia, that the issues raised in the petition were pre election matters.
Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ibrahim Kurai, who read the judgement explained that the nomination, sponsorship of candidates were domestic affairs of the party, stressing that the petitioner, Titus Uba was not a member of the party, therefore has no business interfering with the internal affairs the party.
Justice Kurai declared that pre election matters are filed within 14 days as caused of action, stating that it was the High Court which has jurisdiction to entertain such cases.
The Tribunal Chairman, maintained that he agreed with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Counsel that the petition constitutes an abuse of court process and that the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to entertain it.
He contended that the allegation of certificate forgery against Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode by the petitioners was not proven, and that such allegations were criminal in nature, pointing out that by law it should be proven without all reasonable doubt.
