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RIVERS GOVERNORSHIP: Appeal Court dismisses Awara’s suit

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RIVERS GOVERNORSHIP: Appeal Court dismisses Awara’s suit

The Election Petition Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed an appeal by the Governorship Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Rivers state, Biokpomabo Awara.

Awara had, through his counsel Tawo E. Tawo, SAN, approached the Court to challenge the ruling of the tribunal which empowered Henry Bello to represent the AAC for the governorship election petition in Rivers State.

However, the five man panel of the Appeal Court led by Justice J.O Bada, in a unanimous ruling, dismissed the appeal.

The court maintained that the AAC had right to change its counsel based on the judgement of Federal High Court which recognized Leonard Nzenwa as the National Chairman of the party.

The panel also awarded the sum of fifty thousand naira in favour of counsel to AAC, Henry Bello.

READ ALSO: Coast clear for Buhari to swear-in Fashola, Akpabio, others as Court removes legal hurdles

Speaking to newsmen outside the court, one of the counsels to AAC governorship candidate, David Adebe said they would study the ruling and decide on the next line of action.

“The Court just decided our application in CA/PH/356/2019 which in their opinion said they do not agree with our view.

“We will go back and consult with our clients to decide on the way forward because we feel very strongly that the 4th Alteration of the Electoral Act has actually taken care of the major ground upon which the matter was said to be dismissed which is that Leave is no longer a requirement before you can Appeal in an Election petition Tribunal,” he said.

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