The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has sacked three Plateau state House of Assembly, members.
The verdict was passed on Sunday, November 19, 2023, the same day the appellate court sacked Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
The court panel of judges, led by Justice Williams-Dawodu, in a unanimous judgement, sacked Hon. Happiness Akawu, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and returned Hon. Yakubu Sanda of All Progressives Congress (APC), to represent Pengana state constituency.
The court further sacked Hon. Agbalak Adukuchill Ibrahim of PDP, and returned APC’s Eli Bako Ankala, to represent Rukuba/Irigwe Constituency.
Similarly, the court dismissed Hon. Rimvjat Nanbol of PDP, and returned Hon. Daniel Ninbol Listic of Labour Party (LP) to represent Langtang North Central, state constituency.
According to the court, the PDP’s failure to comply with subsisting Plateau state High Court, order in 2020, to conduct legitimate congresses, rendered it illegitimate to sponsor candidates for any election
Meanwhile, the member representing Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke Federal Constituency of the state in the House of Representatives, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has hailed the Appeal Court verdict declaring Goshwe as the governor of Plateau.
Gagdi, while congratulating Nentawe on his victory in a statement on Sunday, described the verdict as a new dawn for the people of the state.
Also reacting to the judgment, the Chairman of the APC in the state, Rufus Bature, appealed to members and supporters of the party in the state to remain calm and refrain from any “provocative acts that would affect the peace and tranquillity of our beloved state.”
In a statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Sylvanus Namang, the state chairman said “There is no victor and no vanquished as Plateau State and its people remain brothers and sisters who should work for the common good of the state.
He also called on security agencies in the state to be on red alert and vigilant to avert any acts of breakdown of law and order.
Reacting to his victory’s nullification, Governor Mutfwang described the verdict of the Appeal Court that nullified his election as a temporary setback.
The governor said this in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Mr Gyang Bere, issued on Sunday in Jos.
The governor noted that the judgment would not deter his plans of repositioning the state toward steady growth and development.
Mutfwang expressed strong optimism that his mandate would be restored, adding that his legal team would immediately file an appeal at the Supreme Court.
“I want to assure the people of Plateau that the mandate they overwhelmingly gave me will be restored; I have instructed my legal team to file an appeal at the supreme court.
“I hereby admonish citizens of the state and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain calm, for as long as God remains on the throne, the mandate of the people will not be tampered with.
“I want to also reiterate my commitment to the rule of law and assure you all that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
”I have unwavering faith in the judiciary and the Constitution of Nigeria” he said.
The governor further appealed to the citizens of the state to be law abiding, adding that the judgment is a temporary setback.
“I want to strongly appeal to our supporters, as well as citizens of the state to maintain law and order as Plateau will be victorious.
“I reassure you all of my commitment to continually serve the state with dedication and integrity” he assured.