*Fines petitioner 300,000 compensation
Election Tribunal sitting in Abakaliki has on Friday, September 20, 2019 declared member representing Abakaliki South, in Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Barr. Joseph Ununu, winner of the March 9, House of Assembly election.
Delivering the judgement in suit no. Ept /EB/HOA /01/2019, between Hon. Joseph Ununu, INEC and the flagbearer under the platform of All Progressive Congress Obinna Udenwe, Justice Sika Aprioku, struck out the case for failure of the petitioner to prove his case on the balance of probability.
He fined the petitioner, Obinna Udenwe N150,000 each as compensation to the Ist and 2nd respondents.
Obinna Udenwe had earlier dragged Ununu to court after the house of assembly election conducted on March 9, 2019.
In his petition, he prayed court to nullify or set aside the election which saw Ununu as the winner, pleading that INEC should withdraw the certificate of return issued to the Ist respondent Ununu Jospeh Ogodo, and issue him, Obinna Udenwe the certificate of return.
He also revealed in his petition that Ununu was not qualified to contest for the position as he has not been educated to the level of school certificate to enable him contest the position.
Speaking after his declaration, Barr. Ununu expressed satisfaction over the ruling, adding that he was even ready to go to appeal if his opponent refused to accept the judgement.
He therefore assured his constituents of the fulfilment of his promises which the case has been a hindrance to the accomplishment of his promises to his constituents.
Brenda Chidinma Imoeze
