By Francis Ogbuagu, Benin City
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Saturday dismissed the alleged certificate forgery suit filed by APC and William Edebor against the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.
The APC and Edobor filed the suit alleging that Governor Obaseki presented a forged certificate to seek re-election in the Edo State governorship election held on September 19, 2020.
According to the plaintiffs, the said document was purportedly issued by the University of Ibadan, while the governor presented same to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which conducted the poll.
The presiding, Justice Ahmed Mohammed held that the plaintiffs relied on the photocopied document presented by Governor Obaseki without getting in touch with the university to verify the authenticity of the said certificate.
He added that no iota of truth was brought before the court by the plaintiffs who alleged forgery, saying it was a criminal matter, but the claimants were unable to prove their case.
The judge noted that the Deputy Registrar (Legal) of the University of Ibadan had given evidence in the suit that the university duly issued the certificate to Governor Obaseki.
According to him, the governor was duly and properly admitted to study Classics which was later renamed Classical Studies in 1976 and graduated in 1979.
Justice Mohammed concluded that the plaintiffs failed to prove their allegations of forgery against Governor Obaseki and, thereby, dismissed the case.
In his reaction,the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, hailed the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on the certificate forgery case brought against him by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor, in a statement, said the judgement is a triumph of the rule of law and a testament to the fact that truth would prevail ultimately no matter how vehemently detractors push lies in the face of incontrovertible evidence.
According him, “The verdict of the Federal High Court, delivered by Honourable Justice Ahmed Mohammed is well-received and a victory for the rule of law. It was a most needless attempt by desperate individuals trying to undo the will of the people through the backdoor but we are happy today that justice and truth have prevailed.”
He noted that the verdict confirms once again that Edo people were well-guided in trusting him to lead them in the September 19th governorship election, promising to continue to prioritise the development of the state not minding the darts thrown by those who are embittered by their loss and continue their attempt to put spanner in the works even when they have been roundly beaten on all fronts.
“My profound gratitude goes to the judiciary who have stood indefatigably for truthand justice; the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR); my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); our party leaders and members; my teeming supporters; the good people of Edo State and all Nigerians.”he concluded
Also,the former national chairman of the APC,Chief John Oyegun said
“No need to comment, it was just that it was not unexpected,I hope they will now let the governor settle down to do his job.The Verdict only reaffirms the mandate of Edo people.
“The victory at the federal High Court in Abuja only reaffirmed the verdict of the people in the September 19, governorship election in EDO state.”
In his own reaction the former factional chairman of APC in the state,Barr.Aselm Ojezua said the decision of the Court was not surprised to him because he knew all along that Obaseki was qualified.
“The judgement means that in a Democratic setting the rule of the people will always prevail.”
He called on the government to remain focus and continue to deliver on his promises to the Edo people and continue to ignore any attempt to distract him because the people are clearly with him.
Also,Edo State PDP chairman, Tony Azegbeimi said
The victory is sweet, we are happy and we dedicate it to God almighty. We thank the judiciary for standing with the truth; they have once again proved they are the hope of the common man.
I urge the APC not to appeal because the governor of Edo State has a massive plan for the state and should not be distracted.
When the governor does well, everybody enjoys it, not PDP alone
Also, reacting the PDP publicity Secretary, in Edo State, Chris Nehikhare said the Edo PDP congratulate Governor Godwin Obaseki on the resounding victory,he recorded in the Federal High Court According to him ,” It is a testimony to the fact that this government was enthroned by the wish of Edo people and had the blessings of God.
“We advised APC that it was again traveling the road of ignominy instead of joining the government to build a society where hard work is rewarded, where hate should be condemned and love for a prosperous state the driving spirit of our being. Our advice was ignored!
“It is now clear that Edo APC and the news and stories they propagate are built on falsehood, social greed, intellectual imbecility and pathological irresponsibility. Edo people are advised not to only punish them with their votes on election days, but to consider them public enemy number one henceforth! ” He said.
