...Technical setback on Dawari, Odili
matters temporary
The attention of the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives
Congress, APC, has been drawn to attempts by the PDP and their agents to sell
to the public the impression that the APC petitions before various tribunals at
Abuja are on the verge of being thrown out on grounds of technicality.
This is sequel to the ruling Tuesday by the National Assembly Election
Petition Tribunal in the matters of Dr Dawari George and Mr Lucky Odili of
Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Federal
Constituency respectively. Both men had filed petitions challenging the victory
of Hon. Boma Goodhead of Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and Prince
Nnam Obi of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency. But the Tribunal ruled that
the APC revised notice for conduct of Primaries was not within the stipulated
21 days.
Since this development, the PDP and their agents have inundated the
media claiming that all other APC candidates' petitions will be affected by the
technicality of time.
The APC feels obliged to explain for the benefit of our members and
Nigerians that there is no atom of truth in the assertions by our opponents
regarding this matter. The truth remains that the APC National Headquarters
issued notice for conduct of party primaries on 19th September, 2014 which is
more than the 21 days required by law. However, due to certain circumstances,
the APC, out of courtesy, sent a revised notice to the INEC informing the
electoral umpire of a slight change in its primaries schedule to which the INEC
acknowledged receipt. All of the actions eventually happened within the period
specified by INEC in its timetable.
However, it appears curious to the APC that the Tribunal sitting on the
matters of Hon. Dawari George and Hon. Lucky Odili would base its decision on a
revised notice that might as well not have been written, to technically set
aside the petitions of both APC candidates. However, both candidates have
promptly appealed the Tribunal ruling and we believe justice will be served the
candidates and the party accordingly.
It is rather shocking that the PDP and their agents have started
bandying that the rulings on Dr. Dawari George and Hon. Lucky Odili also affect
all other APC petitions before different tribunals. That is a white lie meant
to distract and misinform the public.
The APC would like to re-assure its members and
Nigerians that the said revised notice of primaries has no consequential
effects on all other petitions by APC candidates at all levels, be it the House
of Assembly, Governorship, House of Representatives and Senatorial petitions
presently being heard at the different tribunals. We would like to urge APC
members to remain steadfast and prayerful as victory at the various tribunals
is around the corner.
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