I am close to retrieving my mandate – Jegede

FORMER Attorney General and Justice Commissioner in Ondo State, Eyitayo  Jegede (SAN) has said he is very close to retrieving his mandate using the instrumentality of the rule of law.

Jegede dropped the hint while speaking to newsmen in Abuja after the Special Panel of the Appeal Court granted him leave to appeal Justice Okon Abang’s ruling, which ordered the substitution of his name with that of Jimoh Ibrahim as Peoples Democratic Party candidate for the November 26 governorship election.

He expressed confidence in the ability of the judiciary to correct all manipulation of his candidacy by those opposed to democracy.

“I again reiterate that I am absolutely committed to the rule of law, I have submitted my grievances to the courts and despite the contrivance and manipulation by those who are opposed to democracy, we have been vindicated at the first step and God’s willing, we will continue to ‘trudge on’..There is no looking back, we are here because we have the interest of the people at heart,” he said

He thanked the people for always standing by him through the thick and thin, restating his optimism of partaking and winning this month’s governorship election.

“I remain indebted to the wonderful people of Ondo State who have always remained steadfast with us knowing full well that this is one project that will succeed no matter the volume of opposition from any quarters.”

Jegede also appealed to his supporters to intensify their campaigns across the nook and crannies of the state.

Meanwhile, counsel for Biyi Poroye, sacked factional PDP chairman in Ondo State, Benulolisa Nwofor (SAN), said they will explore all legal means to push the case in line with their constitutional mandate.

But, one of Eyitayo Jegede’s counsel, Dayo Akinlaja stated that consequent upon the prayers granted by the Special Appeal Panel, including abridgement of time and departure from the normal court procedures, the appeal proper has been filed.

He also dismissed reports that Justice Okong Abang’s clearance by the National Judicial Council, saying that was only an administrative decision without any effect on the merit of the case at hand.

Meanwhile, the special panel also granted similar application filed by Ahmed Markarfi and Senator Ben Obi faction to challenge Jimoh Ibrahim’s candidacy.

Attempts by Ibrahim’s lawyer, Jadegoke Badejo (SAN),  to inform the court of his intention to file a  motion for joinder after the rulings met a brick wall as Justice Salauwa who described him as an “absentee lawyer” for an absentee client and advised him to wait for the proper hearing of the suit to be joined as a party.

Justice Salauwa also gave Jegede 24 hours to file his brief of arguments and Biyi Poroye and others, three days to file respondents brief while the date for appeal will be communicated to them as soon the briefs are in.