By Jonathan Ugbal
The member-elect to represent the Ikom/Boki federal constituency in the 10th House of Representatives, Victor Abang says there is no winner or crush despite the National and State Assembly elections petitions tribunal dismissing the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and her candidate, Attah Ochinke Esq petition against his elections.
The tribunal, led by Justice Mohammed A. Sambo on Tuesday dismissed petition number EPT/CR/HR/08/2023 filed by the PDP and Mr. Ochinke on the grounds that their application for a pre-trial hearing was filed prematurely when the 2nd and 3rd Respondents were still within time to file their replies to the petition.
The panel relied on Schedule 1, Paragraph 18 (1) of the 2022 electoral act (as amended) and Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered).
And, Mr. Abang in a statement issued midweek with the title, “No Winner, No Crush; We are Partners in Development,” said even though the tribunal’s decision was a temporal impediment to Ochinke’s quest for judicial redress, the “people’s quest for togetherness, robust representation, and the politics of inclusiveness remain the major thrust in our push for growth and the need to end litigation and build consensus in the federal constituency.”
While calling for an end to litigation, he averred that “our political growth need not be scandalized by disagreement and contention but by building, working, and walking together for the good of constituents.”
He said it was time to pursue objectives that will enhance the constituents and the quest must be, “deliberate, intentional, and purposeful,” with the joy seen in collaboration and the desire to succeed.
“I call on my brother and long-standing friend, Barr. Attah Ochinke, former Attorney-General of Cross River State, to join me to work together for the benefit and prosperity of our people.
“Power comes from God and He chooses who He gives at any particular time. This was a contest not war!
“Our supporters have lost nothing. Let’s work together for the good of our people. Our hope and aspirations for greater Ikom/Boki cannot be attained without bonding together despite our political differences,” the statement read.