Senate Seat: Why Appeal Court’s Verdict Excites Omo- Agege

SAN FRANCISCO, December 20, (THEWILL) – The Court of Appeal on Saturday declared Mr. Ovie Omo-Agege, a former Secretary to the Government of Delta State and candidate of the Labour Party, winner of the March 28, 2015 Delta Central Senatorial election.

The court annulled the victory of Mr. Ighoyota Amori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as declared by INEC and upheld by the elections petition tribunal.

The Appellate Court had in a suit number CA/B/EPT/337/15 dismissed Amori and PDP's Notice of Appeal requesting it to dismiss Omo-Agege's appeal on grounds not considered by the tribunal.

The three-man panel had Justice Theresa Abadwa from Imo State as its Chairman, Justice Jonah Adah from Benue as member and Justice H. Barka‎ who read the judgement.

Delivering its judgement, the Appeal Court found Omo-Agege's appeal meritorious and consequently granted all the reliefs pleaded by Omo-Agege and the Labour Party. ‎

The reliefs as obtained by THEWILL include: “That it may be determined and declared that the 1st Respondent, Chief Ighoyota Amori, of the Peoples Democratic Party, the 2nd Respondent, was not duly elected or returned as the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State, not having polled the highest number of lawful votes cast at the Delta Central Senatorial election on March 28, 2015 and April 25, 2015.

“That it may be determined and declared that the Petitioners polled, scored or received the highest number of lawful and/or valid votes cast at the Delta Central Senatorial District election conducted by the 3rd Respondent on March 28, 2015 and April 25, 2015.

“That it may be determined and declared that the 1st Petitioner, Barrister Ovie A. Omo-Agege, having polled, scored or received the highest number of valid votes cast at the Delta Central Senatorial District election conducted by the 3rd Respondent on March 28, 2015 and April 25, 2015 is the duly, lawfully and validly elected Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State.

“That it may be determined and declared that the Certificate of Return given/issued by the 3rd Respondent to the 1st Respondent, Chief Ighoyota Amori, of the Peoples Democratic Party as the winner of the Delta Central Senatorial District election conducted by the 3rd Respondent on March 28, 2015 and April 25, 2015 and Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District is null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

“That it may be determined and declared that the 3rd Respondent shall forthwith issue the 1st Petitioner, Barrister Ovie A. Omo-Agege, with a Certificate of Return as the duly elected Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State.”

Reacting to the verdict on Sunday, Omo-Agege said in a statement, that the ruling will no doubt give hope to the people of Delta Central Senatorial District who have been denied the fruits of their labour.

While saluting the steadfastness and courage of his party members throughout the period the case lasted, he said; “For those who were knocked down, harassed, beaten, tear-gassed and intimidated during the election by those who wanted to impose themselves on us, but never gave up, this victory is yours. You never gave up on me.”