The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in the October 20, 2012 election in Ondo State, Olusola Oke has rejected the judgment of the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal, which on Friday afternoon struck out the petition of the Action Congress of Nigeria, challenging the victory of Governor, Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State.
Oke in a statement issued on Friday and made available to DailyPost affirmed that the judgment remains unacceptable to him and other indigenes of the Sunshine State.
According to him, “Today, the governorship elections Petition Tribunal gave its Judgement over our Petition against the result of the last October 20 elections in the state, after 178 days of elaborate and intense trial involving tens of witnesses and thousands of documents. The Judgment affirmed the declaration of Labour Party candidate as the winner of the election by INEC.
“It demonstrates a mindset exhibited by the Tribunal in the manner it had shut out relevant and material evidence on frivolous excuses during the trial.
The party chieftain stated that he had directed the legal team to study the judgment with a view to subjecting it to a review and reversal by the higher court.
“I have no doubt in my mind that no matter how long darkness may endure, it takes a spark for light to overcome, he said.
Oke stated that in the course of the struggle for the rescue of the people of Ondo State from the shackles of poverty, want, disease, unemployment and frustration, he had received tremendous support and encouragement from the endurance, perseverance, strength of character and undying commitment of the people to see Democracy truly blossom in their land.
The statement reads, “In spite of the state brutalization of their sensibilities, they stood firm for Justice to be served. Many of them were retrenched from government service for merely having an opinion against tyranny and perfidy. Many of them were harassed, maimed and humiliated for their conviction and belief. But in the rains and the scorching sun of this journey, they stood firm like the rock of Gilbratar. They showed courage, resilience and dedication. They demonstrated a true desire for change, good governance, truly accountable and human faced government. It is this hope that the Tribunal’s judgment seeks to truncate, forgetting that hope may tarry, but it shall surely come.
“While profoundly thanking all the good people of Ondo state for the uncommon support and encouragement, I wish to remind them that the fight to enthrone Democracy, Justice and freedom is not an easy walk.
For me, my spirit remains strong and undaunted. My hope is set for light at the end of the tunnel,” the statement added.
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