Tension as Appeal Court rules on Kogi gov tomorrow

Johnson Babajide, Lokoja - 05.02.2008

Tension and fear have gripped supporters of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Kogi State as the appeal court rules on the governorship election tommorrow.

Already, all political and government activities had been put on hold, while supporters of both parties were moving to Abuja, venue of the appeal.

Governor Ibrahim Idris was contesting the judgment of the election petititon tribunal which nullified his election on the basis of excluding the former governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, of the ANPP from participating in the last April 14 governorship election.

Tomorrow’s judgment would determine the fate of others such as Adamawa and Kebbi, which have similar cases of exclusion and also open a new chapter in the political history of the nation.

For PDP, this may not be a good time for it as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Clarence Olafemi, is also facing similar problem at the appeal court of which the judgment had been fixed for February 28.

In the event of any eventuality, who becomes the governor had been the focus of debate among political observers in the state.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that a new speaker may emerge today in Kogi State following the appeal court judgment expected on Wednesday.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that the new speaker would be expected to hold forte in the event that the appeal court does not favour Alhaji Idris.

The decision to appoint a new speaker, according to a source, was as a result of the nulification of the speaker’s election by the election tribunal.