Edo Gov Election: Osunbor, Oshiomhole know fate tomorrow

Uchechukwu Olisah, Benin City - 19.03.2008

THE Edo State legislative and governorship election petition tribunal sitting at the Edo State High Court complex, Benin City, will tomorrow deliver judgment in a petition filed by Action Congress candidate and former Nigeria Labour Congress President, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, challenging the declaration of Professor Oserheimen Osunbor as the winner of the April 14 gubernatorial election held in the state. Osunbor constested on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Oshiomole had asked the tribunal for two main and one alternative reliefs.

The main reliefs are that the panel should nullify the election, which he alleged was fraught with irregularities and call for fresh election in Edo State.

He alleged that his PDP counterpart did not win the majority of the lawful votes cast.

Alternatively, Oshiomhole is asking the tribunal to declare him the winner, saying that he had polled the highest number of votes cast at the last election.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Dega, has issued a warning against any act of violence, saying that the police would deal with perpetrators of violence before, during and after the judgment was delivered.

He also warned politicians to desist from engaging the services of, or sponsoring thugs, as persons caught will be punished irrespective of their status.