.jpeg "Tribunal reserves its decision in Tonye Cole's petition for the office of governor of Rivers.")
Cole is contesting the electoral outcome of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The matter was adjourned for judgment by the three-member tribunal, with Justice Cletus Emifonye presiding, subsequent to the adoption of final written addresses by the parties and the presentation of their reasons both in support of and in opposition to the petition.
Fubara emerged as the victor in the election with a total of 302,614 votes. The candidate from the APC received 95,274 votes, securing second place. Beatrice Itubo, the candidate from the Labour Party (LP), obtained 22,224 votes, placing third in the poll.
In a press conference held following the session on Wednesday, Chief Tuduru Ede, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the principal legal representative for Cole, reported that over 40 witnesses were summoned and a substantial collection of exhibits, totaling in the thousands, were submitted throughout the duration of the proceedings.
The primary basis of our argument is that the second respondent, Fubara, lacked the necessary qualifications to participate in the election at the time.
He did not tender his resignation from his position as Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary in Rivers State.
The speaker stated that they have presented proof supporting their claim and are currently awaiting the decision of the tribunal.
Furthermore, Mr. Cole, who was present before the tribunal, expressed his confidence in the tribunal's ability to administer justice in his petition, relying on both the tribunal and divine intervention.
Initially, I express profound gratitude towards the legal team who demonstrated unwavering determination, resisted intimidation, and presented highly precise factual evidence.
I am really content with the content that has been delivered today in the form of our concluding discourse.
The individual expressed their faith in the tribunal and their belief in divine justice, stating, "I place my trust in the tribunal and in my Lord, God Almighty, with the conviction that justice will prevail."
The individual stated that their presence before the tribunal was intended to get the restoration of the mandate that had been unlawfully taken away from them.
The events that transpired on election day are well-documented; yet, it is crucial to acknowledge the distinction between those events and the ongoing legal proceedings.
The purpose of our presence in court is to reclaim the mandate that was revoked from us in March. It is important to emphasize that we are committed to employing all available means to ensure that justice is served for the people of Rivers.
The matter has been submitted and we are currently awaiting the outcome. The final decision is imminent, with only a few weeks remaining until the judgement is rendered. It is advisable to exercise patience and maintain a steadfast attitude. The individual expressed their determination to persist in their efforts till the conclusion.
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, who was present at the event, declined to engage with journalists.
He explicitly instructed: "Proceed to engage in conversation with them (indicating the lawyers)."
Attempts to communicate with the legal representatives of the respondents, namely Mr Kanu Agabi, SAN (representing INEC) and Mr Emmanuel Ukala, SAN (representing Fubara), were unfruitful as they declined to provide any comments. Additionally, Mr Joseph Daudu (representing PDP) could not be contacted.
According to a report by NAN, Tonye Cole is identified as the petitioner, while INEC, Fubara, and PDP are referred to as the first, second, and third respondents, respectively, in the aforementioned case.
On September 7, the tribunal also deferred its decision on the case submitted by the governorship candidate of the Labour Party challenging Fubara's electoral success.