By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
The election petition tribunal sitting in Jalingo has affirmed the election of Hon. Joseph Kassong of the Social Democratic Oarty (SDP) as member of Yorro State constituency.
Chairman of the tribunal, justice Aliyu in his verdict said the petition of Hon. Danladi Gwampo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former deputy speaker was dismissed for lack of merit as the petitioner was unable to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt.
Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the social democratic party (SDP) Pius Danba said the petition by the former member representing Yorro state constituency Hon. Danladi Gwampo was dead on arrival since the member duly resigned from his former place of work and subsequently won the election.
Idris Abdulahi Jalo, counsel to the independent national election commission (INEC) commended the tribunal for a job well done, pointing out that the judgment affirmed the position of INEC in the last election by declaring the candidate of the SDP who won at the polls.
Speaking on the judgment, the member representing Yorro state constituency Hon. Joseph Kassong thanked the tribunal for affirming his victory which he said represents the interest of the people of Yorro local government area.
He thanked the chief of Mumuye Ado Adamu Mazang and the people of Yorro for massive support and urged the former law maker/ deputy speaker Hon. Danladi Gwampo whom he described as his mentor to support him to move yorro local government area to the next level.
Similarly the election petition tribunal also sitting in jalingo has struck the petition of Nasiru Tafida, candidate of the New Nigeria people’s party (NNPP) challenging the victory of Hon. Uba Maigari of the all progressive party (APC) as member representing Jalingo II state constituency.
The tribunal in its verdict dismisses Tafida’s petition evidence tendered as distorted and has probative value.
Commenting on the verdict, the member representing Jalingo II state constituency Hon. Uba Maigari thanked the tribunal for standing by the truth, describing the judiciary as the last hope for a common man.
He thanked the people of Jalingo II constituency and numerous party allies who stood by him throughout the period.
Hon. Maigari who described his opponent in NNPP Nasiru Tafida as a brother and close friend said politics can never separate them because in every contest one person will emerge, while urging him to join hands together and support the constituency for progress.
