By Francis Onoiribholo, Ag. Bureau Chief, Benin
Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday made a
surprise U-turn over its petition challenging the election of Comrade
Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria ( ACN ) in the July
14 2012 governorship election as the party withdrawn its petition at the
State Election Petition Tribunal barely three days after it was filed.
The state Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih In a statement in
Benin titled, “Edo State Governorship Election- 2012: Let God the Judge”
stated that though the party worked hard to ensure the victory of its
candidate, Maj. Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd), the results that were
declared by INEC were in favour of the A C N candidate, Comrade Adams
Oshiomhole.
According to Orbih, while the PDP worked and abided by the principle
of One Man, One Vote, its main opponent engaged the instrumentality of
intimidation, adding that they obstructed the continuous voters’ re-
registration exercise thereby preventing eligible voters of being
registered and vote during the election.
“Besides, our main opponent manipulated existing voter’s registers as
well as the results of the election to their fullest advantage, making
the results of the election not only ridiculous but also completely at
variance with rational reasoning and human expectations”, Orbih alleged.
Recalling Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s protest against INEC’s handling
of the conduct of the election, Orbih said the results of the same
election was now being hailed by all because it is PDP that has lost,
adding “it has now become a tradition that when the PDP loses an
election, the election is free and fair”.
“With the above assessment of the results, PDP is aware of the
divergent views and expressions by the public. PDP is also aware of the
legal options. However, PDP has fully consulted the leadership of the
party at both within and outside the state. During this consultations,
legal opinions were sort and it is the conclusion of the party that
while we appreciate the effects of the results declared by INEC will
have on our teeming members, we are also mindful of the consequences
which the state may run into with protracted litigation”.
“Consequently, though painful, for now PDP has decided not to file
any petition before the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the
interest of the state”, the statement said.
On the murder of the Principle Private Secretary to Governor Adams
Oshiomhole, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde few months ago, Orbih also recalled
that the governor led demonstrations, accusing the PDP and its
leaderships of being responsible for the incident as well as having a
hand in the accident involving the governor’s convoy.
He said on account of this, the state government renamed Delta Crescent where Chief Anenih lives as Olaitan Oyerinde Street.
Orbih in apparent reaction to recent arrest in Abuja of suspected
killers of Olaitan Oyerinde by the SSS said the truth in both cases has
come out, adding “what has the governor got to say now”.
He prayed to grant the leadership of the PDP the wisdom and courage
to continuously stand for the good of the party and Edo people, assuring
that their commitment and sacrifices and the pains they have endured
will not be in vain, just as he called on the leadership to reposition
the party with committed people, make peace and allow God to be the
judge.
But in what appear to be a division within the party, the PDP
candidate in the July 14 election, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere has promised
to address a press conference over the issue of withdrawal of the party
of its petition from the tribunal.
According to the retired Army General who was contacted on phone to
react to Orbih’s statement “ask the chairman of the party. I may not be
able to make any comment on phone because I don’t know who I am talking
to. When I come out, I will address a press conference”
Source: Daily Independent
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