RIVERS TRIBUNAL DISMISSES PETITION AGAINST ELEME LGA CHAIRMAN
The Rivers State Local Government Elections Petition Tribunal has dismissed a petition challenging the election of Chief Brain Gokpa as the Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area. The Tribunal ‘s Chairman, His Worship, Betty Sunny-Hart, delivered the judgment, stating that the petitioners failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.
The Panel dismissed all reliefs requested by the petitioners, citing their inability to convincingly prove their case. The tribunal’s decision affirms Chief Gokpa’s victory in the October 5, 2024, local government elections.
Counsel to Chief Gokpa and the Action People’s Party, Bar. Reuben E. Wanogho, described the judgment as “beautiful” and expressed satisfaction that the court upheld the fact that his client was properly and duly elected. According to Wanogho, the ruling will create stability in governance, as it has been clearly stated that Chief Gokpa is the substantive Chairman of the Council.
The Chairman of Eleme Consultative Forum, Comrade Agba Nwaji, hailed the ruling as a victory for the Eleme people. He urged Chief Gokpa to focus on his five-point agenda to bring development to the people.
Chief Gokpa expressed gratitude to the people of Eleme for their support and steadfastness throughout the trial period. He stated that the ruling affirms his victory at the polls and serves as a clear indication that he should focus on bringing the dividends of democracy to the people.
Udeme Obot,
Chief Press Secretary
Eleme LGA.
22/01/25