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Former Senate Minority Leader, Biodun Olujimi, has reacted to the tribunal judgement that sacked his rival Senator Prince Dayo Adeyeye.
Gatekeeper could recall that Adeyeye, who is currently serving as Chairman, Senate Committee on Media, was declared winner of the National Assembly election in Ekiti South Senatorial District by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the February 23 poll.
The tribunal in a unanimous judgment on Tuesday declared Abiodun Olujimi, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Senatorial poll.
Although Adeyeye had rejected the ruling few minutes after the tribunal deliver its verdict.
Meanwhile reacting to the judgement, Senator Olujimi in a statement she personally sent to gatekeeper described the judgement as ‘no victor, no vanquished’.
“I was pleasantly shocked and relieved when eventually, the National Assembly elections tribunal sitting in Ekiti delivered judgement.
For a person who is seen as strong, all confidence evaporated when the dye was cast.
The tribunal was majorly against INEC who as the umpire, did not live up to its mandate. It is a pity that it also affected an individual,” the statement reads.
While describing Adeyeye as a brother senator Olujimi said: “Let me say without equivocation that Senator Prince Adeyeye is a brother and an ally. We have had to work together on many fronts. An erudite lawyer and politician who I know believes in justice and fair play. He fought for the masses as the Publicity Secretary of the Afenifere. I am sure he would have asked me to test my misgivings about the election if the shoe was on a different leg!! Albeit, as in the caption; there is no Victor no, vanquished.
“There is only one Ekiti and one Ekiti South Senatorial district and as we strive to serve our people, skirmishes such as these will occur. Senators will go and come, the wellbeing of our constituents will remain paramount.”
She further saluted the courage of the Attorneys on the side of the respondent and the tribunal judges “whose mien was so tough, patient and painstaking” and all the erudite lawyers and witnesses.
” I salute the Attorneys on the side of the respondent, Barr R O Balogun and Barr Kabir Akingbolu Esq. I salute the Attorneys for the Petitioner, led by Professor Wahab Egbewole SAN, KK Eleja SAN, Barr Olatawura, Oguntuase, John etc and all the erudite lawyers, witnesses esp Barr Olugbade PW15, party faithfuls and those who reported everyday to listen to the proceedings.
“I also thank the tribunal judges whose mien were so tough. They were patient and painstaking. Thank you for the lesson that will make INEC a better umpire for the benefit of the people.
“As we continue in our quest to give the best for our people, I enjoin that we put service before self interest. Today, God took absolute glory and justice was served. I wish my brother, Sen Prince Adeyeye well and i say to him: the best is yet to come. To God be all the glory.”
