Judgement is a triumph of the rule of law- Obaseki
By Samson Yaki
The Director General of Edo State Liaison Office Abuja, DCN Festus Osagie Osaigbovo has joined other well meaning people of Edo State to congratulate the Governor of the state, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Enogheghase Obaseki, over the land mark victory at the Federal High Court in Abuja, recently.
Dcn Osaigbovo, who described the rulling of the Federal High Court as attestation of the perfect will of God and the irrefutable choice of Edo people, also said that the rulling reinforces the confidence of people on the judiciary.
“On behalf of the people of Orhionmwon LGA, I celebrate with His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Enogheghase Obaseki, the Executive Governor of Edo State; his Deputy, RT. Hon. Philip Shaibu; and the good people of Edo State, on the confirmation of His Excellency as the authentic Governor of our dear State by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Community leader stressed that the outcome of the court verdict is a good development for the advancement of democracy in the nation Nigeria and Africa, adding that this will go a long way to reflect the tenets of true democracy for other African nations.
“Transparent, accountable, Competent and Committed leadership is what the people crave for world over, and Governor Godwin Obaseki is an epitome of purposive and true leadership and this victory shows that in the September elections, Edo people overwhelmingly voted for him while noting that no amount of opposition can change that mandate”.
The DG called on the opposition APC members in the state to join hands with the people’s governor to make Edo Great Again.
He said that it is time for Edo people to shun all forms of political affiliations and political differences viz a viz various ethnic subgroups and rise up and support the Governor to make Edo better for all.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had recently dismissed the certificate forgery case brought against Governor Godwin Obaseki by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Delivering the judgement, the presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Adamu Mohammed said the plaintiffs failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt that the first defendant, (Mr. Obaseki) forged his certificates.
According to him, “Allegation of forgery borders on crime which must be proved beyond reasonable doubt.
“In the instant case, no iota of evidence talk-less of a proof beyond reasonable doubt was brought to prove the allegation of forgery against the first defendant (Mr Obaseki).
“Having thoroughly analysed the evidence of this case, it is the conclusion of this court that plaintiff did not forge his O’Level Certificate, his HSC certificate, and particularly his University of Ibadan degree certificate.
“Accordingly, the plaintiffs’ case is dismissed.”
Reacting to the judgement, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, hailed the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, saying that the judgement is a triumph of the rule of law and a testament to the fact that truth would prevail ultimately no matter how vehemently detractors push lies in the face of incontrovertible evidence.
According to the governor, “The verdict of the Federal High Court was well-received and a victory for the rule of law. It was a most needless attempt by desperate individuals trying to undo the will of the people through the backdoor but we are happy that justice and truth have prevailed.”
He noted that the verdict confirms once again that Edo people were well-guided in trusting him to lead them in the September 19th governorship election, promising to continue to prioritise the development of the state not minding the darts thrown by those who are embittered by their loss and continue their attempt to put spanner in the works even when they have been roundly beaten on all fronts.
“My profound gratitude goes to the judiciary who have stood indefatigably for truth and justice; the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR); my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); our party leaders and members; my teeming supporters; the good people of Edo State and all Nigerians.”