The Honourable Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Pharm Chika Ugwuoke, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barr. Peter Mbah, following his resounding victory at the Enugu governorship election tribunal.
In a landmark ruling, the Enugu governorship election tribunal dismissed the allegations of certificate forgery against Governor Peter Mbah, brought forth by the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). The tribunal's decision came as a significant relief for Governor Mbah, who had faced a protracted legal battle over the authenticity of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Kudirat Murayo Akano, delivered its verdict, stating that Governor Peter Mbah did not submit his NYSC certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in aid of his qualification to contest for the governor's office. This was due to his existing eligibility, even without the NYSC certificate. Furthermore, the tribunal ruled that the LP governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, failed to present any admissible evidence to prove that Governor Mbah's certificate was forged.
The ruling, which was met with anticipation and anxiety, finally put an end to the legal turmoil that had surrounded the Enugu State governorship election. The central issue at hand, the authenticity of Governor Mbah's NYSC certificate, had been vigorously debated throughout the proceedings.
The courtroom was packed with lawyers representing both petitioners and respondents, eagerly awaiting the tribunal's verdict. Proceedings commenced at 9:07 AM, with the case of Chris Agu of the PRP against Peter Mbah of the PDP and INEC being the first to be heard.
Hon. Pharm Chika Ugwuoke, in his congratulatory message, praised the tribunal's decision as a resounding victory for democracy and the will of the people. He emphasized that this ruling brings a decisive conclusion to a chapter of political uncertainty in Enugu State and affirms Governor Peter Mbah's mandate as the duly elected leader of the state, as determined by the will of the people in the March 18 election.
With the legal hurdles now cleared, Governor Peter Mbah can fully focus on his responsibilities as the leader of Enugu State, confident in the legitimacy of his position as affirmed by the tribunal's ruling.
