The people of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency have been thrown into deep confusion as supporters of both Hon. Hassan Anthony Saleh and Hon. Chris Adabah Abbah get set to throng Abuja on Tuesday for the inauguration of the 8th Assembly.
Sources at Otukpa, the headquarters of Ogbadibo LGA and Okpoga in Okpokwu LGA yesterday told DAILY POST that supporters of both Ogbadibo born-leaders, were ready head for Abuja for the inauguration of the National Assembly despite court ruling that disqualified Abbah in favour of Saleh.
DAILY POST recalls that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had stripped Abbah of the position to the advantage of Saleh. Abbah lost the position over forgery related allegation and the consequent judgment.
According to the source, Otukpa was heightened with a lot of excitements as supporters were seen at various spots emptying assorted bottles of beer and wine in euphoria of the Abuja trip.
Meanwhile our Correspondent in Okpoga spoke with some residents who could not hide their joy over their readiness to travel to Abuja to witness what they have termed “the return of the ‘Mad Lion’, the man of the people” while some Respondents said they were attending the inauguration of Hon. Hassan Saleh whom they referred to as ‘Okaleya’ of their time.
Hon. Chris Abba defeated the immediate past Member, Hon. Saleh at the PDP Primaries in December 2014 and was thereafter returned elected unopposed, having no rival from another party.
The then incumbent however challenged Abbah’s election on the ground of certificate forgery and perjury which the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja granted the prayers of the motion.
Justice Adeniyi Ademola did not only invalidate Mr. Abbah’s election, he also declared Mr. Saleh as duly elected member from the Constituency and ordered that certificate of return be issued to him by INEC.
Undaunted by the court order, Mr. Abbah approached the Court of Appeal which is yet to fix a date for hearing.
When contacted on the authenticity of the Member from the Federal Constituency, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chief Kayode Idowu didn’t pick his calls nor returned his missed calls.
Meanwhile, a source at the National Assembly Management, who pleaded anonymity has confirmed to our Correspondent in Abuja that Hon. Hassan Saleh has been duly accredited for Tuesday’s event, having successfully obtained and duly completed his accreditation form for the inauguration.
“The accreditation has been done and it’s for the Members-elect/Senators-elect and their spouse. Anybody who is not accredited is not deemed to be a Member-elect or Senator-elect and such person won’t be allowed into the chambers to participate in the inauguration and election of Tuesday”, he added.
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