Edo South: Tribunal dismisses Samson Osagie’s petition

 

BENIN—EDO  State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Benin City, yesterday dismissed the petition by Mr. Samson Osagie of All Progressives Congress, APC, challenging the election of Senator Matthew Urhoghide of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the representative of Edo South senatorial district.

The tribunal dismissed the petition on the grounds of incompetence.

The tribunal, in its ruling delivered by Justice Raymond Ozoemena, held that the petition lacked merit as it was not signed by lead counsel to the petitioners, Samson Osagie, APC, or any of their counsels.

The tribunal ruled that the petition which was not in compliance with the law, be struck out for lack of competence.

Counsel to the respondent, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who commended the ruling, described it as victory for the rule of law, while counsel to Mr. Osagie, Mr. Osaro Osemwengie, said the ruling was a somersault of justice.

Reacting to the ruling, Edo State PDP, through its Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, said: “This ruling today is a further confirmation that not only have the people of Edo State rejected the APC and the Governor Adams Oshiomhole‘s government, it also shows that they have been rejected by the law as well.

“PDP wishes to thank all Edo people for their support during the last election and assure them that a mandate given to us will be vigorously defended at all times and won’t be taken for granted.  We implore Edo people to remain patient in the face of the obnoxious policies of this government in the areas of taxation, harsh and uncivilized treatment of civil servants, pensioners, teachers, traders, market women and businesses in general.

“We ask the patient and peace loving people of Edo state to remain calm as the election for governor of Edo state is around the corner and I want you to know that only PDP can deliver real change in Edo State. With your mandate, we will implement a clear plan to turn our economy around and give all our people the best chance of success. It is a plan to create more jobs, give more hope to young people and to give families across the 18 local government areas more financial security and peace of mind. A PDP government in 2016 will be transparent and financially prudent.”

Edo South: Tribunal dismisses Samson Osagie’s petition