The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the state High Court, Iyaganku Ibadan today dismissed the petition of dual citizenship filed by the PDP against Gov. Abiola Ajimobi for lacking merit or substance. In a unanimous judgement by the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Abdul Kadir Pindiga, the tribunal held that the petitioners failed to prove their case as they failed to show that Ajimobi has dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United States of America. He said it was at best speculative and awarded 10,000 naira cost for each of the respondents.
Justice Pindiga further stated that necessary documents were not provided by the petitioner to substantiate the dual citizenship against Ajimobi.
As early as 8am, the Oyo state high court premises at Iyaganku G.R.A Ibadan was heavily fortified with the presence of security operatives who kept supporters of both the ACN and PDP away from the court premises. Despite the fact that they could not gain access to the court, the supporters waited nönetheless making both human & vehicular traffic control around the area hectic.
The presiding judge, Hon. Justice Abdulkadir Pindiga while delivering the judgement said the petitioner (PDP) failed to provide the necessary documents which are the respondent’s International passport, Certificate of U.S citizenship and the social security number.
Justice Pimbiga further stated that all issues raised by the PDP in its petition against Gov. Abiola Ajimobi was devoid of merit, lacked substance and at best speculative.He stressed that the issue of dual citizenship was not proved by the petitioner and awarded 10,000 naira cost for each of the respondents.
Reacting to the judgement, counsel to the respondent, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) said the judgement was a systematic exposition. He applauded the judge for doing a thorough job even as he noted that no case was simple.
Responding, counsel to the parties lauded the judgement.
In his own reaction, counsel to the petitioner, Nathaniel Oke (SAN) acknowledged that all issues raised were thoroughly dealt with even as He admitted that the Nigerian constitution was a collection of uncertainties.
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for Ajimobi and ACN, and Ahmed Raji for INEC, commended the judgement.
After lauding the judgement, PDP counsel, Nathaniel Oke said his client will decide whether or not to appeal it.
The Respondent,Oyo state governor, Abiola Ajimobi in his reaction described the judgement as a triumph of democracy and the rule of law. Ajimobi was represented by his wife.
Meanwhile, supporters of ACN who thronged the court in their hundreds went into jubilation after the judgement was delivered.
Before the judgement was delivered, Action Alliance, AA, had brought a motion seeking the setting aside of the tribunal’s proceedings of 13 July, 2011, saying that AA will like to pursue their petition against Ajimobi.
The court, however, dismissed the motion on the ground that it was brought too late.