Tribunal Sacks Wike, Orders Fresh Governorship Election in Rivers
Featured, Latest Headlines, News From The State Saturday, October 24th, 2015
*Wike Heads To Appeal Court
The Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has nullified the gubernatorial poll held in the state on April 11, 2015.
The three-man tribunal chaired by Justice Suleiman Ambrosa nullified the declaration of Nyesom Wike of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as winner of the controversial election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The tribunal subsequently ordered fresh election in the state as requested by the petitioner, Dr. Dakuku Peterside of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Peterside sought the nullification of the entire election on the ground that it was marred by irregularities and fraudulent practices, adding that it was not conducted in line with the electoral laws.
In its judgment, Justice Suleiman Ambrosa ruled that the card reader accreditation was vital to the election and the votes recorded, adding that on the balance of probability, he is inclined to believe the petitioner witnesses were ahead of the witnesses of the Respondents.
The judge also declared that the documents tendered by APC were not dumped on it but the documents tendered by the respondents were dumped on it and the tribunal would not attach weight to them.
*Wike Heads To Appeal Court
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike say they will appeal the judgment of the tribunal.
Addressing journalists after the judgment, Counsel to the PDP, Chris Uche, SAN, declared that Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike remains Governor until the appeal processes are exhausted.
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