The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, has upheld the election of Governor Samuel Ortom of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Emmanuel Jime of the All Progressives Congress had approached the court, seeking the nullification of Ortom’s election, citing irregularities and over voting during the last election.
However, the tribunal threw out Jime’s case for failing to prove it beyond reasonable doubt.
Reading the judgment on Monday evening, Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Henry Olusiyi, said Jime’s request for nullification of Ortom’s election lacked merit and “hereby dismissed outrightly.”
Reacting, Governor Ortom described the ruling as victory for the people of the state who elected him for a second term.
The Governor stated that the verdict of the tribunal has confirmed the unanimous decision of Benue voters and has proven that his re-election was credible.
Governor Ortom in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, also appreciated the leadership and members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state, as well as other Benue people for the support given to him before, during and after the polls.
“He specifically commends his Legal Team for its sterling performance during proceedings of the tribunal to secure the mandate.
“The Governor declares that the victory at the tribunal is for every Benue person. He stresses that the task of building the state is the responsibility of all its people.
“Governor Ortom extends a hand of fellowship to the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC for the 2019 governorship election, Barrister Emmanuel Jime and other contestants in the election.
“He maintains that politics is over; now is time for governance, and gives assurance that his administration is willing to collaborate with Benue sons and daughters irrespective of political differences, ethnicity, religion and place of origin.
“He restates the commitment of the present administration to the provision of selfless service to the people,” he added.
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