Efforts to stall tomorrow inauguration of Alh Yahaya Bello as the new governor of Kogi State was thwarted as the Kogi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal struck out the two motions seeking for interlocutory injunction to stop the inauguration ceremony.
Counsels to the People Democratic Party and Labour Party had filed a separate exparte motions seeking the tribunal order to stop Bello’s inauguration on the ground that he was not the proper governor -elect.
But the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Halima .Mohammed in her ruling dismissed the motions, saying the motions were not contained in the original petitions but was smuggled in through motion on notice.
She explained that if court granted the motions filled by the Peoples Democratic Party and labour Party, it will definitely affect the life of the original case as it was not part of the case brought before the tribunal.
The Labour party Counsel, Ruben Egwaba, had specifically sought for the interlude injunction on the ground that Bello had no Deputy as at the period of the supplementary election of 5th December 2015,
Justice Mohammed urged all the affected Parties in the case to be prepared for accelerated hearing of the substantive case which will commence from next sitting, warning that the tribunal will no longer entertain the pre hearing matters again.
The counsel to outgoing governor Wada,Pius .Akubo commended the tribunal ruling, saying that the present scenario in the state is novel and based on the novelty, the world is watching Kogi state.
Egwaba,the counsel to the Labour Party also lauded the tribunal’s ruling, saying they were ready for the substantive suit before the court.
Meanwhile,ahead of tomorrow’s inauguration the State Police Commissioner, Mr Bessan Gwana has warned anybody who wants to disrupt the exercise to have a rethink as the police will deal decisively with whoever forments trouble, no matter how highly placed.
In a press statement issued in Lokoja yesterday and signed by the Police Relations Officer, William Aya, the police commissioner expressed the readiness of the command to create a conducive atmosphere for a peaceful transition.
The police warn political thugs and miscreants to stay clear of the venue even as he cautions parents and guardians not to allow anybody use their children or ward for thuggery during the period.
