Tribunal validates Gov Bello’s victory

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Niger State has upheld the victory of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 9th March governorship election.
Consequent to a petition against his victory, the tribunal which upheld the election, however dismissed the petitions of the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Umar Mohammed Nasko for lacking in merit.
On the allegations by the petitioners that the Governorship election in 2019 was marred with intimidation, violence, vote buying among other act of irregularities, the tribunal explained that the petitions were bereft of evidences and was bound to fail at arrival.
In a statement issued by Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, he said that the judiciary has again proved itself strong in the protection of democracy and the rule of law in the country.
Ahmed Matane further stressed that the resounding victory of the Governor at the tribunal is an indication of the trust, confidence and integrity reposed in him by Nigerlites to take the State to the next level, adding that the people of the State are proud of the magnificent achievements recorded by his administration despite the enormous challenges.
The SSG, while congratulating Nigerlites on the victory stated that “I had no doubt whatsoever in my mind that the Governor would come out victorious, considering the massive support the people of the State gave him before and during the March 9 governorship election”.
He congratulated the Nigerian judiciary for living up to expectations by doing the right thing, stressing that with the judgment, a precedent has been set on electoral matters in the country.
“Your successes in Security, Agriculture, Health, Education, Economic revitalization, Infrastructural Development, Youth and Women Empowerment, as well as zero tolerance for corruption are testimony that indeed Niger State is on the real path to sustainable growth and development”, the statement added.
The SSG reiterated that the present administration led by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello would not relent in its quest to give the people of the State true, qualitative, purposeful and transformational leadership that will bring about increased dividends of democracy to the citizenry.
He called on the people of the State to continue to support the programmes and policies of the present administration for the growth and development of the State and the country at large.