…Hearts beating are not only felt but loudly heard, without tongues wagging but. It’s the supreme court that decides the governor. However, it’s Allah the Most High that gives power to and takes away from whomever He wishes – Moralist
…Mother of all supreme judgments; to decide whether or not the citizenry will enjoy compassionate leadership devoid of sentiment and diversionary tendency with the spirit of unity in diversity, honour of traditional institutions as a legacy and respect of the law constituted authority as a responsibility – Sage
…Section 149 of the Electoral Act was revisited; read, analysed and the final interpretation reserved for determination by the jury…
…Who’s hat has the state at heart?
The supreme court has fixed Wednesday, January 31, 2024, for judgment in the Adamawa state governorship election appeals.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, a.k.a Binani has filled an appeal against INEC’s declaration of Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, a.k.a Fresh Air as the winner of the 2023 governorship election in Adamawa State.
The Periscope Global reported that the tribunal and court of appeal have earlier dismissed Binani’s petition, affirmed and reaffirmed INEC’s declaration. Binani’s teeming supporters were however not convinced with the judgments and have insisted that their governorship candidate must head to supreme court to clear technicalities and reclaim legitimate mandate.
The main contention of Binani, through her counsel, Akin Olujimi SAN, at the day’s proceeding, is that the controversial declaration by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) Hudu Yunusa Ari Esq, was lawful.
Hudu, in what he thought best as a means to address challenges associated with collation irregularities, as an INEC official, declared Binani as the winner of the governorship election.
Later, INEC, not competent court of law or tribunal, nullified Hudu’s pronouncement and eventually declared Fintiri as the highest scorer of votes.
Section 149 of the Electoral Act states that “Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, any defect or error arising from any actions taken by an official of the Commission in relation to any notice, form or document made or given or other things done by the official in pursuance of the provisions of the Constitution or of this Act, or any rules made thereunder remain valid, unless otherwise challenged and declared invalid by a competent court of law or tribunal”.
It was considered, read, analysed and the final interpretation reserved for the jury to determine.
The five-member panel led by Justice John Inyang okoro that adjourned the matter for judgment after listening to the arguments of the parties involved in the matter was said to have communicated the judgment day to the counsels of both parties scheduled for Wednesday, January 31, 2024.