Niger: Tribunal upholds Gov. Bello’s election

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Minna has upheld the election of Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State.

The Tribunal, led by John Ogbuji, Wednesday said the petition of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Nasco lacked merit.

He described the petitions as “frivolous, vexatious and abuse of judicial process.”

He therefore dismissed the petitions and awarded N50,000 fine against the three petitioners – the governorship candidate, his running mate, and the PDP.

Responding to the judgment, Jibril Samuel Okutepa, Counsel to Gov. Bello said the petition was a “judicial amusement”.

On his part, Secretary to the Government of Niger State, Mr. Ibrahim Matane said the victory is an indication of the trust and confidence of the people of the State in the Governor.

“I had no doubt whatsoever in my mind that the Governor will come out victorious, considering the massive support the people of the State gave him before and during the March 9 Governorship Election.

“The people of the State are proud of the magnificent achievements recorded by his administration despite the enormous challenges,” he said.

The SSG reiterated that the Bello administration will not relent in delivering qualitative and purposeful leadership.

He called on the people of the State to continue to support the programmes and policies of government for the growth and development of the State.