Ondo tribunal upholds rep’s election, state Assembly condemns abduction of Falae

ONDO State National Assembly elections petitions tribunal sitting in Akure has upheld the election of the lawmaker representing Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency, Mike Omogbehin, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the April 2015 elections.

In an hour judgment read by Justice John Obiora, the tribunal dismissed the petition of his All Progressives Congress (APC) contender, Victor Akinmoyero for lack of merit, incompetence and vague.

The tribunal held that gone are the days of presenting omniscient witnesses,‎ stressing that the petitioner substantially failed to prove with copious evidences the irregularities in the election and non-compliance with the electoral act.

Counsel to the petitioner, Kay‎ode Adeola, however, expressed displeasure over the ruling and vowed to challenge it at the appeal court, while PDP counsel, Remi Olatubora said the victory confirmed the overwhelming mandate which Omogbehin got from his people and restated his team’s readiness for further litigation on the issue.

Omogbehin, who wept while speaking to newsmen, said the victory would enable him concentrate on the business of governance and extend the olive branch to his rivals.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State House of Assembly (ODHA) has condemned the abduction of the elder statesman, Chief Olu Falae on his 77th birthday.
The House, led by its Speaker, Jumoke Akindele, during its plenary decried the abduction as disheartening.

The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to implement the 2014 National Conference Report which recommended state police as the solution to increasing cases of insecurity.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker, Fatai Olotu and the Majority Leader, Ifedayo Akinsoyinu condemned the incessant kidnappings in the country and appealed to the abductors of Falae to release him immediately.
The lawmakers called on security agencies, as a matter of urgency, to swing into action to bring to book those behind the dastardly act, while they set up a committee to pay a solidarity visit to the family of the elder statesman.