A shocking revelation has come to the fore, unveiling alleged plans to disrupt the proceedings of the Kogi State Governorship election tribunal. The New Media Secretary to the Murtala Yakubu Ajaka Campaign team, Mr. Unekwu-ojo Joshua Ocheje, has released a statement to The Bureau Newspaper detailing these allegations. The unfolding narrative now includes claims of promised rewards for interference in the tribunal’s proceedings, adding another layer of concern over the legal process surrounding the governorship elections in Kogi State.
In the statement, Mr. Ocheje disclosed that the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and his protégé, the current Governor, Usman Ododo, have allegedly concocted a plan to sabotage the tribunal. According to Ocheje, directives have been given to All Progressives Congress (APC) State Executives to ensure their presence at the tribunal hearings, which are set to begin next week and continue until the tribunal reaches its conclusion. This move is interpreted as an attempt to influence the tribunal’s proceedings by demonstrating a strong party presence during the hearings.
A more alarming allegation is the purported promise of lucrative appointments to dismissed Local Government Administrators if they successfully execute a plan to disrupt the tribunal sittings. The scheme reportedly involves mobilizing individuals to fill the courtroom, creating chaos, and effectively blocking supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Mr. Ajaka from participating in or attending the hearings. This strategy aims not only to obstruct the tribunal’s activities but also to deny the opposition a fair opportunity to present their case and support their claims.
The implications of these allegations are profound, signaling a potential threat to the integrity of the legal and democratic process in Kogi State. The tribunal serves as a vital institution for resolving electoral disputes and ensuring that justice is served in the aftermath of elections. Any interference with its operations could severely undermine the rule of law and democratic governance.
These recent revelations have ignited concerns among political observers and the general public, emphasizing the need for transparency, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law as the tribunal prepares to undertake its critical role. While the allegations made by Mr. Ocheje have not been independently verified, and official responses from the administrations of Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo are still pending, the situation underscores the paramount importance of protecting the electoral process and ensuring the impartial resolution of election-related disputes.