Controversy was diabolical and ill-willed – Obaseki
Admin l Friday, May 28, 2021
ABUJA, Nigeria – The All Progressive Congress (APC) today lost its certificate forgery suit against the Edo State Governor, Dr. Godwin Obaseki. The Supreme Court dismissed the suit for lack of merit. Delivering the judgment, the 5 man panel also awarded N1 million against the APC.
The APC had commenced the suit at the Federal High Court, Benin, alleging that the governor forged the certificate he used in contesting the governorship election. This came even when the APC failed to stop the governor by failing to clear him to contest the election on the platform of the party.
Governor Godwin Obaseki was forced to leave the party and contest under the People Democratic Party(PDP), through which he secured a second term ticket.
In the ruling, the Supreme Court held that Godwin Obaseki did not forge the certificate he used in contesting the governorship election and dismissed the suit filed by the APC and awarded N1 million against the party.
Reacting to the development, Governor Godwin Obaseki said the verdict of the Supreme Court on the certificate forgery case brought against him by the All Progressives Congress (APC), during the 2020 governorship election, is a vindication of the decision of God and the people of Edo State.
According to him, the ruling puts to rest the diabolical controversy contrived by opposition elements over his credentials and puts to shame the individuals that sought to swindle Edo people with falsehood and lies in pursuit of pecuniary gains.
“The judiciary has once again, demonstrated that it is willing and capable of defending our democracy. I see this victory as a renewed call by God Almighty to rededicate myself to His service and that of the people of Edo State.
“From the statement by the SC Justices, it is clear that they align with what Edo people knew all along, which is that there was no merit in the case. The controversy was diabolical and ill-willed. It is reassuring that the Judiciary has upheld the wishes of the masses. I dedicate the victory to Edo people, who resolved to stand by me through it all despite the campaign of calumny.
“I appreciate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for supporting and holding steadfastly to the vision of our party for a better Edo State. I am also grateful to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for ensuring a vibrant and fair Judiciary that upholds the will of the masses”, he said.
