From Umar Dankano, Yola
Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, has expressed satisfaction with yesterday’s judgment of the Supreme Court, quashing the suit by Dr Umar Ardo, challenging the validity of his nomination as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the 2012 gubernatorial election in the State.
While responding to the development, Nyako, applauded and described Apex court’s verdict as a good omen in the Judiciary.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh said the development is a confirmation of the mandate given to his boss (Nyako) by the people of Adamawa state.
In a judgment, delivered by Justice Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs, on behalf of the five Supreme Court Judges, who heard the case declared that “The appeal lacks merit and it is accordingly dismissed. Parties are to bear their respective costs”.
“This has vindicated the position of Governor Nyako since the beginning of the case, where he said the case lacks merit. Now the Supreme Court had confirmed that, in commending the wisdom of the Learned Justices of the Supreme Court, His Excellency the Governor said the Nigerian Judiciary had once again proved their position as an impartial arbiter in the social process in the country.
“The Supreme Court has once again affirmed the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary which was manifest right from the lower courts.
“This much was expressed in the Supreme Court Judgment when it observed that, “The lower court agreed with the stand taken by the trial court in holding that a candidate who did not participate in the selection/nomination of a candidate to stand election cannot invoke the jurisdiction of the court over complaints which occurred prior to the holding of primaries,” the statement said.
It added that the governor equally appreciates Dr. Ardo for going through the courts in pursuit of what he believes is his democratic right, therefore calling on all patriotic sons and aaughters of the state to join hands in the process of developing the state.
However, all efforts to get Dr. Ardo’s response to the verdict proved abortive as his GSM lines were switched-off.
