On Thursday, November 9, the Appeal Court sitting in the FCT upheld the appeal of Hon. Nuhu Akila, member of the Taraba State House of Assembly for Lau State Constituency, against Emmanuel George of the APC.
In September, the Taraba Elections Petitions Tribunal in Jalingo overturned Nuhu Akila’s PDP victory and awarded it to Emmanuel George of the APC.
The tribunal awarded the victory to APC’s George based on recounted ballot papers from the March 18 polls, which revealed that George received the most votes.
However, Hon. Justice Uche Onyemenam, the sitting judge, ruled that “evidence of recounted ballot papers in Lau State constituency was inadmissible.”
He further ruled that all of the petitioners’ evidence was defective, that PWs 1 and 2’s testimony was illegal, and that PW 3’s testimony was hearsay.
Nuhu Akila, who was surrounded by admirers and kinmen, refused to comment on his victory.
However, MP Yerima, a lawyer/politician, regarded the triumph as coming from God. He urged Emmanuel George to join forces with the victor.
He also praised Gov. Agbu Kefas for his efforts in guaranteeing the party’s win.
Yerima said:
“I call on Emma George to come let’s join hands. He should accept the will of God. He has tried a lot.”
Also, a former Special Adviser on Revenue Matters, Absolom Solomon said:
“This victory is for everybody, Lau constituency and Tarabans. We need to join hands together.”