The Ondo State governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting on Tuesday in Akure on dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Eyitayo Jegede against Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jegede had filled petitions before the tribunal challenging the return of Akeredolu who was re-elected as governor of the state in the October 10, 2020 governorship election.
While delivering judgment on the matter on Tuesday, the chairman of the panel Justice Umar Abubakar said, “Issue raised therein in this petition are settled the issue of internal affairs and management of a political party which this Tribunal has no jurisdiction.” Umar therefore struck out the petition.
Meanwhile, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has described the judgement of the State Election Tribunal as a true reflection of the position of the Law and the collective wish of the people.
Akeredolu similarly posited that he had no enemies to hold any grudges against as a result of the Tribunal case.
The Governor stated this shortly after the judgement.
Akeredolu noted that the outcome of the judgment was a true reflection of the will of the citizens of the state who had voted for him during the governorship election.
“For every purpose and mission endorsed by God, the will to navigate the clouds of uncertainties and the path of thorns becomes stronger if backed by faith. In our case, our faith is unshakable. It is, therefore, with gratitude to God that we accept the verdict of the Honourable Tribunal.
“We have gone through this legal process and the path of Justice with the hope that the true position of the Law shall once again, be examined and expoused. The industry and legal expertise demonstrated by the Honourable Tribunal has corroborated this desire.
“We were equally enamoured by the inexorable quest to renew our social bond with the good people of the state while the legal tussle was on. In an unambiguous manner, the Tribunal’s verdict has further fermented this bond and strengthened the wish of the people.
“Notwithstanding, the legal process was not just part of our democratic culture. Legal paths, without doubt, provide in some cases, certain opportunities that permeate fresh frontiers.
“Therefore, the ability to extend the hands of friendship, the courage to absorb even the undeserving as well as the magnanimity to reinvigorate old, laxed relationships without grudges is what makes a real democrat. I hold no grudges against anyone.
The governor further appealed to his opponent to join hands with him to move the state to a better height. “For my brother, friend and colleague, Eyitayo Jegede, my respect for him cannot wane and I enjoin him to join hands with us in this Ondo Project. There is no victor, no vanquished..
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