x

**”Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal Reserves Judgment in Tonye Cole’s Petition”**

The Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal, seated in Abuja, has deferred its judgment in the petition submitted by Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the March 18 governorship election in Rivers State. Cole is challenging the victory of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Cletus Emifonye, postponed the matter for judgment after both sides presented their final written addresses and argued their positions regarding the petition.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Fubara secured 302,614 votes to win the election, while Mr. Cole received 95,274 votes, and Beatrice Itubo of the Labour Party (LP) garnered 22,224 votes, securing the third position.

In the aftermath of the tribunal’s sitting on Wednesday, Tuduru Ede, SAN, Mr. Cole’s lead counsel, disclosed that approximately 40 witnesses were called, and nearly 1,000 exhibits were presented. Ede highlighted their primary argument, which revolved around the contention that Fubara, as of the election date, was not qualified to run for office as he had not resigned from his positions as accountant-general and permanent secretary in Rivers State. He expressed their anticipation of the tribunal’s judgment.

Tonye Cole, present at the tribunal, expressed his trust in both the tribunal and divine justice, stating his determination to reclaim the “stolen mandate.” He urged the people of Rivers State to remain patient and assured them that they would exhaust all avenues to seek justice.

Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s predecessor and the current Minister of Federal Capital Territory, was also in attendance but declined to comment, directing reporters to speak with lawyers involved in the case.

Efforts to obtain statements from INEC’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, and Governor Fubara’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, were unsuccessful, while the PDP’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, was unavailable for comment.

Notably, Tonye Cole is the petitioner in this case, while INEC, Governor Fubara, and the PDP are the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents, respectively. The tribunal had previously reserved judgment in the petition filed by the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate against Fubara’s victory on September 7.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

North-central Forum Blames You for Apc Loss

. knocks Humanitarian minister, Yilwatda By Israel Adamu, Jos  The North-Central All...

Ogbe’s Appo Role Boosts Africa’s Energy Future

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa   In a major boost for Africa’s oil...

Comandrthyann Drops Ep ‘beautiful

Johnson Mary-Ann Akalo who is better known in the...

Benue Apc Backs Alia for 2027

By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi  As the 2027 general elections draw...

Plateau Group Rejects Mutfwang’s Move

By Isreal Adamu, Jos  Plateau state All progressive Congress Vanguard...

Prosperity Cup: Advance Dreams in Final

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa  Advance Dreams Football Academy of Yenagoa punched...

Bayelsa Plans Expanded Partnership With Zipline for Health, Agriculture

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa  The Bayelsa State Government has announced...

Dangote Commends Bayelsa’s Economic Vision at Historic Mou Signing

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa  Africa’s business magnate Aliko Dangote has...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img