…Dawn of new era, says Nentawe
From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
The number of lawmakers elected under the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Plateau State House of Assembly has risen to 20 as the Court of Appeal has nullified the election of 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in the state assembly.
The appellate court, sitting in Abuja had, in a unanimous decision, led by Justice Okon Abang, held that all the sacked lawmakers, scored wasted votes at the time of the March 18, 2023 election because their PDP had no structure upon which they were nominated as candidates in the first place.
The judge also held that the PDP violated section 177 of the 1999 constitution, hence cannot sponsor candidates in an elections.
The court however declared all the second runners up in the elections as winners.
Those sacked are; Hon Timothy Dantong representing Riyom constituency, Rimyat Nanbol, (Langtang North Central), Moses Sule (Mikang), Salome Waklek,-Pankshin, Hon. Bala Fwangji (Mangu South), Hon. Maren Ishaku (Bokkos), Hon. Dagogot (Qua’an Pan North) and Nannim Langyi,-(Langtang North North).
Others are Nimchak Rims (Langtang South) Hon. Danjuma Azi (Jos North West) Gwottson Fom (Jos South) and Hon. Abubakar Sani idris (Mangu North).
APC had previously won seven seats in the March 18 election and had had two, Pengana and Rukuba/Irigwe state Constituencies added to its kitty by a previous Appeal Court judgement.
With this, APC now has 20, Young Peoples Party (YPP) and Labour Party (LP) one apiece in the 24-member assembly.
The ruling in the two remaining state Constituencies – Qua’an Pan South and Barakin Ladi, are expected to be delivered in few days.
Reacting to the development, the APC candidate in the Governorship Election, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, described the present composition of the State House of Assembly so far, as a dawn of a new era.
Nentawe remarked that it’s so pleasing and encouraging that justice has been served at last.
In a statement through his spokesman Shittu Bamaiyi, Nentawe expressed delight that there was nothing as fulfilling and comforting as the near total control of the legislature by the his party.
Nentawe expressed absolute confidence and assurance that things would work out for good, if he was eventually sworn -in as the governor of the State.
While awaiting the outcome of the rest of the petitions, Nentawe congratulated all the members for a hard won victory, noting that at least, the end has now justified the means.
While extending his joy and appreciation to other members of the APC for their unwavering support, he urged them to fervently pray for the final success story of the Party at the Supreme Court, and to continue to be law abiding.
He also used the opportunity to shower praises on the legal team of the APC, notably Sunday Obende, Musa Bako, Jim Gotom and Ayuba Yirvoms for their brinkmanship, proficiency and professionalism in prosecuting the cases.