…Gov Ishaku to appeal tribunal verdict

Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has promised to appeal the verdict of the Elections Petitions Tribunal, which nullified his election as governor.
The tribunal on Saturday in Abuja quashed the victory of Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party and declared Senator Aisha Alhassan of the All Progressives Congress as winner of the 2015 governorship election.
Ishaku told a news conference in Jalingo on Saturday that he would appeal the verdict.
He said he believed the Court of Appeal would reverse the judgment and give him back his victory.
Meanwhile, the verdict was greeted with mixed reactions as Alhassan’s supporters in Unguwangadi, Magami, Kasuwan-Yelwa, Sabon-Gari and Nyamu Sala areas celebrated, while others criticised it.
Alhassan’s supporters were seen on the streets chanting: “Sai Mama”, “Mama Taraba Oyoyo” to show their happiness over the verdict.
Alhaji Ahmed Umar, a resident of Jalingo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the verdict was victory for democracy.
Also, a former senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Abubakar Tutare, said the ruling had given confidence to the common man about the judicial system.
The PDP Public Relations Officer in the state, Napoleon Adamu, told newsmen that people in the state should 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 State Government, said Ishaku remained the governor until the determination of the case at the Court of Appeal.
The police command in the state has warned that it would deal decisively with anyone who foments trouble in any part of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Joseph Kwaji, gave the warning in an interview with NAN in Jalingo.
The police image maker said the command had put in place adequate measures to maintain peace.
Kwaji added that the command had deployed its men to Wukari, Takum, Donga and Bali to ensure peace.