Supreme Court Affirms Nwaobi's Victory Over Okocha

Supreme Court Affirms Nwaobi's Victory Over Okocha

The Supreme Court in Abuja, today affirms the victory of Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi FNSE over his rival during the 2015 election in Aniocha North Constituency, Mr. Osi Okocha.

It could be recalled that Nwaobi had his mandate allegedly denied him by INEC after a landslide victory in that election, prompting him to approach the tribunal for a reclaim of his mandate.

However, the tribunal failed to return his mandate to him after comprehensively proving his case. Again, he asked his lawyers to proceed to Appeal Court.

But having looked critically at the case from the four point issues that formed the bases of the prosecuting application, the Appellate Court did what was justifiable to affirm his victory and therefore returned his mandate to him.

Perhaps not satisfied with the outcome of the Appeal Court's verdict, Osi Okocha returned to Appeal Court, asking it to reverse itself and declare him the occupant of the House of Assembly seat for Aniocha North Constituency. But embarrassed by this unwarranted appeal, the Court disparaged Okocha's lawyers and asked them to apologize for taking the Court for granted.

Thereafter, also, Okocha's lawyers once again approached the Supreme Court to interpret the judgement of the Appellate Court and to use its powers to return him to office. Though some legal professionals had reasoned that this move by Okocha's lawyers was senseless, the Apex Court accepted it in the interest of justice and fixed 9th December, 2016 for judgement.

Meanwhile, today, the Apex Court had once again delivered a landmark judgement by proving to Nigerians that the judiciary remains the last arbiter of the common, innocent and straight forward man.

Here is an excerpt from their judgement: "This court lack the jurisdiction to entertain this matter...as the court of appeal is the final resting place for this case. A matter originating from the National/State Houses of Assembly Tribunal can not be brought to this court no matter what guise...this appeal is hereby struck out and I make no order as to costs".

As at press time, we can authoritatively report as news filters in from our Aniocha North Bureau Chief that the entire Aniocha North is already agog at this news. It is gathered that jubilation had over taken the length and breadth of the Council Area, suppressing all dissenting voices that were earlier poised for their own celebration should the case had gone their own way.

Anioma Trust reports from Asaba.