23rd July, 2010
The traditional ruler of Ilemba Hausa community in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, South West Nigeria, Chief Sabeji Saliu, has condemned the judgment delivered by the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal led by Justice Garba Alli and urged the Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate in the state, Engr. Rauf Aregbesola, not to back out in his resolve to pursue the case to the Appeal Court.
Reacting to the verdict recently, Chief Saliu said “the judgment delivered by Justice Garba Alli was against all the available evidence and a disgusting and absurd display of judicial impunity.â€
Commending Aregbesola for the step taken by pursuing his mandate, Saliu said “we are glad to note that Engr. Aregbesola and AC have resolved to appeal this ridiculous judgment. The matter should be pursued to its logical conclusion so that history can properly record those who hijacked a mandate that never belonged to them.
Speaking further, Saliu said “judges all over the world earn respect from the quality and soundness of their judgments. The application of common sense in the interperetation of the applicable legal framework is the mark of acclaimed landmark judgments all over the world.â€
While describing Engr. Aregbesola as a humble and humane personality, a political icon and astute politician, he, however, is optimistic that hope is not lost and by the grace of God, victory will come as the battle continues at the Court of Appeal.
Chief Saliu said people of his community will continue to pray until the stolen mandate is reclaimed.