Tribunal dismisses Aregbesola’s move to stop material inspection

The Election Petitions Tribunal hearing matters arising from the recent Osun State governorship election has dismissed the application filed before it by Governor Rauf Aregbesola to reverse an earlier order given for inspection of the election materials used for the poll.

The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Suleiman Ambrusa, dismissed the application filed by the petitioner’s counsel, Mr. Kunle Adegoke, in his ruling.

He said the tribunal would have acted against the Electoral Law if the panel had reversed the earlier order it granted for the inspection of the election materials used in the disputed local government areas.

He ruled that since the inspection of the materials was aimed at maintaining and sustaining the petition of the PDP, rejecting the application for inspection would be against the Electoral Act.

Ambrusa said, “We have carefully considered the addresses of both counsel and concluded that the order granted was in line with Section 151 of the Electoral Act.

“To avoid delay with the consideration of Exhibit B, it is apparent that the first section of the first schedule can be utilised. We are satisfied that the order was granted unambiguously and in line with the provision of law as contained in Electoral Act 2010.”

After delivering the ruling, the chairman assured parties in the matter of fairness and justice.

He said, “We have all sworn to Quran or Bible and nobody should think that we can be used for their wishes. That would not happen here.”

The tribunal frowned at the fight among lawyers of the two parties during the inspection of the materials at the INEC headquarters in Osogbo on Wednesday, saying lawyers should not be involved in such squabbles.