Tribunal ruling: Akume, Akaagerger insist on appeal

Taiwo Adisa, Abuja - 28.01.2008

Former governor of Benue State and the senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District, Senator George Akume, and the senator representing Benue North-East zone, Senator Joseph Akaagerger, have given indications that they would appeal Friday’s ruling of the election petition tribunal which voided their elections.

While Akume said in a statement that he had given the nod to his lawyers to appeal the ruling, Akaagerger said in an interview that he was also ready to appeal.

Both men, however, expressed the readiness to face the electorate again in it came to that. While speaking in a telephone interview, Senator Akaagerger said “the tribunal has given its judgment.

There is no doubt that the judgment is contrary to my expectation.I have some reservations about it. I will appeal the judgment.” Akume, in a statement which was mainly addressed to his constituents, said he had not deviated from the purpose for which he was elected by the people.

“It is on record that I have not deviated from the purpose for which you have elected me, just as much as it pleased the Almighty God to serve diligently as governor for eight years.