Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Taraba Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Monday affirm the election of the candidate of the All Progressive Congress APC, Batulu Mohamed as Member representing Gashaka State Constituency.
The Tribunal presided over by Justice Benson Ogbu had dismissed two cases against elected members of the APC at the Taraba State House of Assembly while a petition against Akila of the PDP was granted in favour of the petitioner.
The suits instituted at the Tribunal are against Batulu Mohammed of the APC for Gashaka State Constituency by Umar Gayam of the PDP.
In the suit by Mohammed Gayam of the PDP, counsel to the respondent, Mohammed Bashir said the petition was dismissed for “lack of merit”.
“The Tribunal entered judgement for the respondent that there was substantial non-compliance as alleged by the petitioners. So the tribunal dismissed the petition for lacking in merit because they were unable to prove their case,” Bashir stated.
“Justice has prevailed. We have said earlier that we have won a majority of the lawful votes that were cast.
“It was sorted and counted out in the full glare of the public and the Tribunal has affirmed that I am the true winner of that election. They went ahead to say INEC should retrieve the certificate of return and also return me immediately.
Speaking shortly after the judgement, Hon. Batulu Mohamed express confidence on the judiciary, adding that it has done justice to her case.
“The judgement has shown that the judiciary is for the common person and follows the truth. God help us, for the Tribunal follows step by step in the case and come up with the truth.
She appreciated the people of her constituency for their support and urge them to maintain the tempo.
She said that she will do her best to represent her people while in the House of Assembly.
“I will sponsor a bill on Rape and drug abuse and improve women health.
“I will join hands with my colleques to improve women health to reduce child mortality.
She call on her rival, Hon. Gayam of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, to come and join hands with her for the benefit of the state.
“As my brother, I call on him to join hands with me for the benefit of our constitute and the state at large – she said.
She said that she will ensure that she empower her constitute, especially Women and Youths.
“I will provide palliatives for my constitute and other forms of assistance to reduce the effect of Subsidy removal.
On the 100 Days of Governor Kefas Agbu in office, she said;
“The Governor realy tried, he has shown that he has Vision and Mission for the state and his good intentions that he has to Unite Tarabans. Even in the House of Assembly, he carries us all along regardless of our Party differences. He doesn’t say that this one is APC, SDP, NNPP or PDP, he carries us all along. He listens to our demands and plieds of our people and I pray for peacefully co- existence in Taraba State – she added.