Lawyer Congratulates Ondo Rep, Hails Appeal Court over Judgment

Barrister Bimpe Olatemiju, a constitutional lawyer, Friday, in Ilutitun hailed the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affimed Hon. Ikengboju Gboluga as duly elected representative of Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

Starnews reports that the Court of Appeal, sitting in Akure, Ondo State Capital, Thursday, upturned the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal which nullified the election of Gboluga of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, as the member representing Okitipupa/Irele federal constituency in the House of Representatives.

In a unanimous judgment by the trio of Appeal Court Justices: M.A Danjuma, R.M Abdullahi and P.A Mahmood, the Appeal Court said the trial tribunal was wrong to have sacked Ikengboju Gboluga – a Nigerian citizen by birth based on his acquisition of additional citizenship and oath of allegiance he sworn to such country .

The Court of Appeal said the lower court erred, as no law can deny the right of a citizen of Nigeria by birth from contesting election in Nigeria.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Akure, Barr Bimpe, described the judgment as a true reflection of justice in conformity with the law of the land. 

“Today’s judgment has purely established the fact that the right by a Nigerian Citizen by birth to contest or be voted for, cannot be taken away by any law.”

“The decision of the Appeal Court is purely on justice. The interpretation of the Nigerian constitution is liberal as no Judge can include what’s not included in the constitution.”

“I want to sincerely appreciate PDP leaders in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency and Ondo State in general for their support. I also congratulate the people of Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency on this well-deserved victory.” I congratulate my friend and brother, Hon. Gboluga for this victory.

“I urge Hon. Albert Akintoye of the APC to see the judgment as a victory for the constituency and not about political parties involved, let’s join hands together to move the constituency forward”, Barr Bimpe said.