Tribunal dismisses AA petition against Obaseki

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City on Friday struck out the petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) against the state governor, Godwin Obaseki. AA and four others had filed a petition challenging the declaration of Governor Obaseki as the winner of the September 19, governorship election. The petitioner had […]

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City on Friday struck out the petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) against the state governor, Godwin Obaseki.

AA and four others had filed a petition challenging the declaration of Governor Obaseki as the winner of the September 19, governorship election.

The petitioner had on Monday failed to file for issuance of pre-hearing notice which is one of the conditions required by the Electoral Act 2010.

Delivering it’s ruling, the tribunal in a unanimous decision ruled that the petitioners had abandoned their petition and dismissed the petition.

In a related development, Edo State High Court presided by Justice D. I. Okungbowa, has ordered the reinstatement of Aremiyau Momoh as chairman, Etsako East Local Government Area Council of the State.

Delivering its ruling yesterday, the court declared the purported removal of Momoh by Edo state governor as null and void.

The Court held that Edo State governor and the government failed to comply with the provisions of Sections 20 and 21 of Edo State Local Government Law, 2000 (as amended) in failing to consult with the Edo State House of Assembly as provided by Law  before suspending Hon. Momoh.

The Court directed Momoh to resume office as chairman immediately and awarded N250,000 as costs in his favour.