Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Maj.-Gen Charles Airhiavbere (retd.) on Monday expressed confidence in the reconstituted Edo Election Petitions Tribunal.
The tribunal was reconstituted to entertain petitions on the outcome of the July 14 governorship election in the state.
The tribunal has Justice Muazu Pindinga as its chairman, while Justices Abubakar Kutigi and A.A.O. Ajileye would serve as members.
Airhiavbere, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the state’s July 10, 2012 election, is challenging the emergence of Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria, alleging that the governor had no requisite academic qualification to have contested election.
The petitioner, who joined ACN and the Independent National Electoral Commission returning officer as co-respondent, alleged electoral fraud in some polling units.
The dissolved Justice Suleman Ambrusa-led election petition tribunal had struck out Airhiavbere’s relief that harped on education qualification
The PDP candidate appealed against the tribunal's ruling and petitioned the National Judicial Commission, alleging acts of impropriety against the tribunal members.
Following the petition, the NJC dissolved the tribunal and constituted the Pindinga-led tribunal.
At the commencement of the tribunal’s sitting Pindiga sought the cooperation of the parties so that they could dispense the matter within the stipulated time frame.
He called on the parties to give them time to study the files, while awaiting the outcome of the appeal fixed for Wednesday.
The tribunal had after getting the assurance for cooperation from the counsel to the parties, fixed November 14, for the hearing.
Deputy Governor Pius Odubu told journalists at the tribunal premises that he had confidence in the tribunal.
“We have confidence in every tribunal set up. I have no reason to doubt the integrity of any tribunal. I am confident in the ability of this tribunal to do justice to the case,” Odubu said.
Airhiavbere, who also spoke with newsmen, said, “I am very confident that they'll deliver judgment in the right way.
“Being in the tribunal is to test the electoral process and strengthen democracy in Nigeria. That is exactly why we are here and I am sure they will vindicate the judiciary.”
