Tribunal Upholds Election Of Afon, And Allis Demlong In Jos

Yakubu Wuyep

 

The National House of Assembly Elections Tribunal sitting in Plateau state has dismissed the petition of Ezekiel Afon against Gondina Sambo and that of Hon Dicket Plang vs Bar. Alis Demlong of the All Progressive Congress.

Justice Adelukun in her judgment said the petitioner failed to prove his case on over voting, illegal and alleged use of ballot papers for lack of merit.

Hon. Dicket lost his bid, as he failed to prove the matter before the tribunal for unlawful cancellation of some Polling units.

Justice Adelukun entered her judgment in favour the first respondent Barrister Allis Demlong.

The court admitted that based on the PW12 and Pw24 showed that election was conducted peacefully.

Counsel to the petitioner Bar Ayewole commended the tribunal for the perfect judgment. He said they need to study the judgment and look for grey area was important, Ayewole explained that the having presented the issue that for contention we read to appeal the judgment by considering their options.

Mrs Allis Demlong said it was  fair  judgment if not the judges would have thrown out the case from the earlier stage.

He pointed that all the witness contradicted themselves while answering questions for the cross examination counsel.

Justice Adekunle   dismissed the petition and awarded N100, 000 damage.

However, 22 out of the 36 appellants witness spoke in Hausa language not in English according to electoral act.

The judge said, the  Pw1  who is adhoc staff to  INEC affirmed that the elections commenced in all the polling units as early as 8am when  eligible voters queue for  accreditation and  before 12 PM voting end  .

The judge ruled that the petitioner alleged alteration of the results during counting was done around 12 – 2 PM when the winner was declared by the returning officer.

The tribunal chairman dismissed some of the witnesses statement which he said they are immaterial.

The petitioner alleged that one Danjuma Gamji rig election in favour of the respondent which some polling units.

The judge held that if the petitioner cannot defend his case he should not expect the tribunal to help him rule in his favour.

Hon Ezekiel Afon described his victory as victory to judiciary and the defense of democracy, adding the person whom we contested is my elder brother  has accepted the ruling of the court in the spirit of sportsmanship.

He congratulates Hon Gondina Sambo  ,I will continue seek his wise counsel to move the constituency forward.

He called on people to leave together in peace and harmony for the promotion cooperate existence.