Professor of International Law and Global Politics, Chief Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barrister Peter Mbah, following his resounding victory at the Enugu governorship election tribunal.
Reacting to the ruling of the Tribunal chaired by Justice Kudirat Murayo Akano on Thursday, Professor Nnaji noted that the judgement was met with anticipation and anxiety which had finally put an end to the legal turmoil that had surrounded the Enugu State governorship election.
The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant further noted that the central issue at hand, the authenticity of Governor Mbah’s NYSC certificate, had been vigorously debated throughout the proceedings.
His words: “Governor Peter Mbah did not submit his NYSC certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in aid of his qualification to contest for the governor’s office. This was due to his existing eligibility, even without the NYSC certificate.
“Furthermore, the tribunal ruled that the LP governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, failed to present any admissible evidence to prove that Governor Mbah’s certificate was forged.
“In law courts, judgement is based on facts and law. The case applies to special courts that sit as tribunals as is in the case of election petition tribunal.
“In the case of governorship election petition tribunal which sat in Enugu on Thursday 21st September 2023, we saw a great mastery of law being applied. The petitioners had alleged that the then Enugu Governorship candidate of PDP now duly sworn in Governor of Enugu State did not submit genuine NYSC certificate. According to the law of evidence
“He who alleges the existence of facts must prove so” which means that the onus is on the petitioners in this case LP /PRP to prove their case.
“However after all submissions were considered the panel of judges could not establish a point of law which could disqualify the Governor as alleged . It should be made clear that NYSC certificate is not a requirement to become a Governor in Nigeria in the first instance. Based on balance of probabilities it was also clear that the duo of LP and PRP could not substantially prove their case beyond all reasonable doubt as expected.
“The case was subsequently struck out by the judges in a unanimous decision for lack of veritability. This verdict is in synchrony with the saying ‘ vox Populi vox dei ” which was demonstrated by and made good by their choice on March 18,2023 Governorship election
In a landmark ruling, the election tribunal dismissed the allegations of certificate forgery against Governor Mbah brought by the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) gubernatorial candidates.
The Tribunal’s decision came as a significant relief for Governor Mbah, who had faced a protracted legal battle over the authenticity of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
