Chief Oghiadomhe Rejoices with Governor Obaseki on his Victory at the Appeal Court

From Ibrahim Umaru

The Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief of Staff to former President, Mr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, National Leader of People Democratic Party (PDP), Asiwaju of Owu, Iroko of People Democratic Party (PDP) Edo State, Baba Ogutu of Etsako Central, Chief Mike Ayegbeni Oghiadomhe CFR has congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu on their Victory at the Court of Appeal yesterday describing the verdict of the appellate court as well deserved and motivating.

The Court of Appeal, sitting in Benin, on Wednesday, upheld the ruling of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal against the Action Democratic Party (ADP), reaffirming the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki at the 2020 governorship election.

The Judgement comes barely two months after the Election Petitions Tribunal struck out the petition by the ADP and its governorship candidate, Iboi Lucky, challenging the outcome of the September 19, 2020 governorship election, which returned Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor of Edo State.

The Appeal Court, delivering the judgement in the case marked CA/B/EPT/GOV/01 & 1A/2021 Action Democratic Party & Anor v. INEC & 2Ors, held that Obaseki did not forge his certificates with which he contested the 2020 governorship election, dismissing the appeal filed by the ADP and its candidate.

Amendments proposed to Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act
In another case marked /B/EPT/GOV/02/2021 Action Peoples Party (APP) Vs Godwin N. Obaseki & 2Ors., the Court unanimously upheld the Judgment of the Tribunal and dismissed the Appeal with costs assessed at N600,000 each, on two different counts, as the governor won all eight issues for determination in the appeal.

Delivering the judgement in favour of the governor, the Presiding Justice, Hon. Justice M.A. Owoade, dismissed the main appeal, the preliminary objection and the cross appeal.

The Judge noted that the inclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as respondents in the petition, was a ploy by Ize-Iyamu to fight his case through another petitioner, describing it as a case of ‘squeezing the rock for water’.

Responding to newsmen on phone conversation, Oghiadomhe said I heartily rejoice with my leader and people’s Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki on this well deserved verdict of the Appeal court yesterday 26/5/2021, which is a resounding confirmation and affirmation of the choice of Edo people in the September 19 Governorship Election for a second term as Governor.

The former Deputy Governor said the Appeal Court has stamped and confirm our only choice that Governor Godwin Obaseki remains the preferred leader at this time to deliver a strong Edo State.

Chief Oghiadomhe saluted the court for quickly, without much ado, declaring the expectation of Edo, noting, it is refreshing that we have reached this point and he is confident that the court of Appeal decision yesterday, would help to consolidate Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu resolve for a stronger Edo State.

On behalf of ever supportive Edo State, Edo North and peace loving Etsako Central I rejoice with Governor Obaseki his Deputy, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu and our great party People Democratic Party (PDP) on this landmark Victory. Congratulations Obaseki/Shaibu. Chief Oghiadomhe CFR