APC Matters At Tribunals Receiving Favourable Attention—Rivers APC
....Technical Setback On Dawari, Odili Matters Temporary
The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, says
its attention has been drawn to attempts by the PDP and their agents
to sell to the public the impression that the APC petitions before
various tribunals at Abuja are on the verge of being thrown out on
grounds of technicality.
The party stated this in a statement signed by its publicity
secretary, Mr Chris Finebone.
The statement reads:
“This is sequel to the ruling Tuesday by the National Assembly
Election Petition Tribunal in the matters of Dr Dawari George and Mr
Lucky Odili of Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency respectively. Both men had
filed petitions challenging the victory of Hon. Boma Goodhead of
Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and Prince Nnam Obi of
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency. But the Tribunal ruled that
the APC revised notice for conduct of Primaries was not within the
stipulated 21 days.
“Since this development, the PDP and their agents have inundated the
media claiming that all other APC candidates’ petitions will be
affected by the technicality of time.
“The APC feels obliged to explain for the benefit of our members and
Nigerians that there is no atom of truth in the assertions by our
opponents regarding this matter. The truth remains that the APC
National Headquarters issued notice for conduct of party primaries on
19th September, 2014 which is more than the 21 days required by law.
However, due to certain circumstances, the APC, out of courtesy, sent
a revised notice to the INEC informing the electoral umpire of a
slight change in its primaries schedule to which the INEC acknowledged
receipt. All of the actions eventually happened within the period
specified by INEC in its timetable.
“However, it appears curious to the APC that the Tribunal sitting on
the matters of Hon. Dawari George and Hon. Lucky Odili would base its
decision on a revised notice that might as well not have been written,
to technically set aside the petitions of both APC candidates.
However, both candidates have promptly appealed the Tribunal ruling
and we believe justice will be served the candidates and the party
accordingly.
“It is rather shocking that the PDP and their agents have started
bandying that the rulings on Dr. Dawari George and Hon. Lucky Odili
also affect all other APC petitions before different tribunals. That
is a white lie meant to distract and misinform the public.
“The APC would like to re-assure its members and Nigerians that the
said revised notice of primaries has no consequential effects on all
other petitions by APC candidates at all levels, be it the House of
Assembly, Governorship, House of Representatives and Senatorial
petitions presently being heard at the different tribunals. We would
like to urge APC members to remain steadfast and prayerful as victory
at the various tribunals is around the corner”.