The Kogi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Lokoja, Monday, dismissed two motions seeking interlocutory injunction to stop Wednesday’s inauguration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello as the governor of the state.
Two motions on notice, seeking an order of the tribunal, were earlier filed by the counsels to Governor Idris Wada and the PDP, Chief Chris Uche (SAN) and that of the Labour Party, Reuben Egwuaba Esq.
In her ruling, the tribunal chairperson, Justice Halima S. Mohammed, dismissed the motions, saying that contrary to insinuations, the tribunal has jurisdiction to entertain the case.
She held that if the tribunal had granted the interlocutory order sought by the two parties, doing so would affect the life of the original case before the court.
She, therefore, urged all parties in the matter to present themselves for an accelerated hearing of the case, which will commence from the next sitting, warning that the tribunal will not entertain pre-hearing matters.
Meanwhile, all is now set for tomorrow’s inauguration of the Kogi governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
A statement issued by the chairman, media and publicity committee of Bello’s inauguration committee, Alhaji Isiaq Ajibola, said the inauguration will hold at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, at 10:00 am.
Those expected at the inauguration comprised the president, vice president, Senate president, members of the national and state assemblies, state governors, federal ministers and captains of industry.
“As part of hand over preparations, the Kogi State Government under the leadership of the outgoing governor, His Excellency, Capt Idris Wada, recently set up a Transition Committee which has been meeting with a similar committee set up by the incoming governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to ensure a smooth transition.
“Part of the lineup of activities for the occasion included the swearing of the governor, delivery of his inaugural speech, cultural displays etc.
“We seize this opportunity to advise the general public to be orderly, peaceful and to co-operate with law enforcement agents who have been directed to take strategic positions in Lokoja township and environs, to ensure a hitch-free event.
Motorists moving in and out of Lokoja are equally advised to comply with speed limit on the roads and obey traffic rules to avoid unnecessary logjam.”
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