CURRENT REPORT BLOG in a significant legal development, the Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has reached a decision regarding the allegations made against Peter Mbah by Chris Agu of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). The tribunal’s ruling addressed accusations related to a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, non-qualification, and corruption.
Allegations and Claims
The PRP had leveled a series of allegations against Peter Mbah, including claims of a forged NYSC certificate, non-qualification for the governorship election, and allegations of corruption. Furthermore, the candidate from the LP requested that the tribunal invalidate Mr. Mbah’s election due to irregularities, which encompassed instances of over-voting and the non-implementation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System in the Nkanu East Local Government Area during the election. These allegations had cast a shadow of uncertainty over Mbah’s eligibility and candidacy.
Tribunal Verdict
The Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, chaired by Justice Kudirat Murayo Akano, convened to address these serious allegations. In its ruling, the tribunal emphasized the importance of substantiated claims and evidence in such cases.
Lack of Supporting Evidence
The tribunal found that the petitioner, Chris Agu, failed to provide compelling evidence to support the claim that Peter Mbah did not meet the minimum qualifications required to stand for the governorship election. The fundamental requirement in question was a school certificate or its equivalent.
Absence of Proof Regarding Plea Bargain
Regarding the alleged plea bargain between Peter Mbah and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the tribunal determined that the exhibits presented by the petitioners did not conclusively establish the existence of such an agreement.
Burden of Proof for Forger
In addressing the issue of forgery, the tribunal emphasized that the burden of proof rests with the petitioner. To substantiate allegations of forgery, it was deemed necessary for the petitioner to provide both the original certificate and the alleged forged one. This requirement underscores the seriousness of such accusations.
Election Results and Majority Votes
The tribunal also examined the issue of whether Peter Mbah was elected by the majority of votes cast. It found that the witnesses called by the petitioners were unable to specify the polling units where elections were not held or provide results from those units.
