Supreme Court verdict: Gov Finitri extends open hands to Binani, others

Following the dismissal of Senator Ashatu Binani’s appeal against the affirmation of Ahamdu Finitri as the duly elected governor of Adamawa state by the Court of Appeal in Abuja by the Supreme Court, Governor Ahamdu Umaru Finitri has extended the hands of fellowship to Binani, all those who contested against him and other well-meaning citizens of the state.

Represented by the deputy governor, Prof Kaletapwa Faruta George, in reaction, thanked the people of the state for their prayers and steadfast belief in the administration assuring them that “now that all litigation is over, governance will be more seen as we will be focused on providing quality dividends of democracy.”

George, flanked by the Speaker, Adamawa state House of Assembly and other top government functionaries thanked the judiciary for still being the last hope of the common man.

She called on the people of the state to join hands with her principal in his determination to make Adamawa state peaceful and productive through the administration’s people-oriented program.

“We are one big family, the state belongs to all of us, let’s bury our party, religion and tribal differences to work for the development of our dear state.”

Aishatu Binani of the All Progressive Congress’ petition regarding the governorship elections in Adamawa in 2023 to the highest court of the land, seeking the court to affirm the declaration by suspended Adamawa state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa Ari as the winner of the March 18 governorship election.

The appellant’s Issue 8 for determination was the announcement of the REC instead of the Returning Officer.

The Supreme Court five-man panel headed by Justice John Okoro agrees with the lower Courts’ judgement, describing the REC Hudu Ari act as ultra vires and completely illegal and unsustainable.

The apex court noted that the issue “is who won the election by the highest number of lawful votes and there is nothing before the honourable court to show that the 2nd respondent did not win the highest number of lawful votes cast.