TheCable

Darius Ishaku, who was sacked by the Taraba state tribunal, says though he is disappointed by the judgment, he believes the court of appeal will rule in his favour.

The tribunal declared Aisha Alhassan of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the April 11 election, saying Ishaku did not emerge candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) in a proper primary election.

But speaking at a news conference in Jalingo, the state capital on Saturday, Ishaku said the judgment “is completely unacceptable”.

“I am very disappointed that the judge left the main issue and dealt with a matter that is completely beyond his issue; the issue of primaries as held by the party (PDP),” he said.

“I will appeal as a law abiding citizen…  It is the mandate that you have given me freely that I am executing and I will appeal the tribunal judgment because I know that this judgment will be reversed.

He also urged the people of the state “to remain calm and wait for the response of the appeal”.

Meanwhile, Alhassan’s supporters have been in the mood of celebration.

According to NAN, they were seen on the streets chanting `Sai Mama’, ‘Maman Taraba Oyoyo’ to show their happiness over the verdict.

Ahmed Umar, a resident of Jalingo, told NAN that the verdict was victory for democracy.

Also, a former senator representing Taraba central, Abubakar Tutare, said the ruling had given confidence to the common man about the judicial system.

Napoleon Adamu, PDP public relations officer in the state, advised people to accept the verdict and cooperate with the winner.

However, Hariman Bovoa, the national president of Mambilla Youth Progressive Association, criticised the verdict, saying it was biased.

Also, Gibeon Kataps, former secretary to the Taraba government, said Ishaku remained the governor, until the determination of the case at the court of appeal.

However, Joseph Kwaji, spokesman of the Taraba state police command, has warned against any form of disorderliness, threatening that the police will deal decisively with anyone who foments trouble.

Kwaji said the police had put in place adequate measures to maintain peace.