9th October, 2015
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
Security was tightened Friday morning around Magistrates’ Court, Isabo venue of the sitting of the National and State House of Assembly tribunal, Abeokuta, western Nigeria.
The tribunal scheduled Friday, 9 October to deliver judgement in the suit filed against Buruji Kashamu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by the APC senatorial candidate, Prince Dapo Abiodun, challenging the victory of Kashamu in the 28 march election.
The bone of contention is the election of the Ogun East Senatorial District, which was won by Kashamu.
The All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Biyi Ismail is also challenging the National Assembly election of Ijebu East/Ijebu North/Ogun Waterside federal constituency won by Segun Adekoya.
Men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force were seen in their hundreds at strategic places around the court.
Movement was restricted to about 150 metres away from the court, while those coming in were screened by the men of the DSS and the police.
L-R: Evang. Olusoji Eweje,Alh. Sodipo Semi,PDP State Secretary, Engr. Bayo Dayo, PDP Ogun State Chairman, Chief Pegba Otemolu, Hon. Boye Adesina and Hon. Onamusi Onadeko… today in court in Abeokuta. Photo: Abiodun Onafuye, Abeokuta
From Amolaso junction by Kuto road, vehicles are being diverted to pass through inner Amolaso while Isabo roundabout was totally cordoned off with vehicles diverted through Grammar School road.
The main door to court 4, venue of the sitting was opened at exactly 8:17 am with litigants,counsel and journalists being screened again.
No other vehicle was allowed to move inside the court premises except those of the judges and some senior counsel.
Addressing the court earlier int the morning immediately after opening, the Tribunal Secretary, Regina Kuhe expressed pleasure over the co-operation from both counsel and journalists.
She disclosed that the judges will soon arrive and the proceedings will commence.
Speaking with our correspondent in the court this morning, the APC Secretary in the state, Mr Toyin Ayebusuwa expressed optimism that victory will come the party’s way.
He affirmed that the party won the elections in those areas they are contending, adding that the purported winners manipulated their way to victory that was why they had to seek redress from the judiciary.
The APC is challenging one Senatorial ,one House of Representatives and 10 House of Assembly seats in the state.
Among those already in court are the APC state Secretary,Toyin Ayebusuwa, PDP state chairman, Engr. Bayo Dayo,Comrade Niyi Osoba, former deputy speaker in the state,Tola Banjo, Austin Onyiokor, media aide to Senator Buruji Kashamu and many other party leaders.
All of them were duly screened, while counsel, litigants and journalists were also awaiting the arrival of the Justice Tobi Ebiowei-led three-man panel.