Obiano expresses confidence in Anambra governorship tribunal

Mr. Obiano says it would re-affirm mandate given to him last November
The Anambra State governor-elect, Willie Obiano, on Tuesday expressed confidence in the ability of the Elections Petitions Tribunal to handle complaints arising from the November 2013 governorship poll.

Mr. Obiano, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, was declared winner of the November 16 and 30, 2013 elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The result is being challenged at the tribunal by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chris Ngige, and that of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Tony Nwoye.

Mr. Obiano told journalists after the sitting of the tribunal in Awka that he was impressed with the composition of the body and that he believed that the mandate given to him by the people of Anambra State would be preserved.

“I have confidence in this tribunal and the Nigerian justice system to preserve our democracy,” he said.

“I am impressed with the composition of this Tribunal and I have no doubt that the collective will of Ndi Anambra as expressed in the mandate they gave to me on November 16th and 30th, 2013 will be preserved.”

The governor-elect said he, on Monday,  won a major victory at the Abuja High Court where his opponent’s application “for an order of mandamus to compel the Inspector General of Police to prosecute me over a false allegation was struck out”.

“I am confident that justice will also be done on the case before this Tribunal,” he said.

Meanwhile, the tribunal chaired by Justice Ishaq Bello has adjourned its sitting to Tuesday, next week.