Melaye, Bello react as Appeal Court upholds nullification of Senator’s election

INEC Mulls Two Elections In Kogi On Nov 16
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has upheld the August 23, this year, verdict of the Election Petition Tribunal, which nullified the election of the senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye.

The appellate court, in its judgment, yesterday, agreed with the decision of the tribunal, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election in the senatorial district.

Reacting to the ruling, Governor Yahaya Bello commended the judgment, praising the judiciary for again distinguishing itself as an unbiased, independent and impartial institution.

Bello, in a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja, yesterday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, felicitated with Adeyemi on his victory at the courts.

“The judgment of the tribunal which nullified the Kogi West Senatorial Election on August 23 and the Court of Appeal’s verdict delivered some hours ago upholding the said judgment clearly attests that the judiciary was solidly on course and working in line with the aspiration of the people,” he noted.

He said in spite of intimidation, unnecessary accusations and rumour mongering, the tribunal and the Court of Appeal have lived up to expectations by dispensing justice without fear or favour.

On his part, Melaye described the ruling as “human judgment,” saying in a statement that he believes in the divine judgment of God.

His words: “It is absolutely well. No worries, no tension, no pains. I celebrate God for he is always a good God. Let your hearts not be troubled, believe in God believe also His prophets.

“At the end His name will be glorified. He is not a man that He will lie. I’m a winner every time. There is a final verdict and it is the verdict of God.

“Today, I speak over my life and my household that the peace of God that surpasses understanding will garrison across our hearts. I am not shaken nor moved. I trust in God completely. I lean not on my own understanding. I acknowledge Him in all my ways, and I am directed of the Lord and led by the Spirit.

“I see my way through; I walk a path devoid of pitfalls. I look to the Lord my God, and I will not see shame. I am delivered from destruction and dereliction. I am saved to serve and strengthened for life. God is merciful to me, and I have received grace of the Lord my God. I have favour. Nothing is against me.

“Men are favourably disposed to me in every situation. I am accepted and not rejected. Nothing blocks my path to success; I am not a failure, and greatness is attracted to me. I activate the will of the Father and insist that today is the day of His power.

“I am willing; God is at work in me, to will and to do all His good pleasure. I win always. My prayers are answered, and my requests are granted. My eye is single, and my body is full of light. Sorrows and tears are far from me. I have peace; my struggles cease; my frustrations, fears, and frailties give way; and I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.