By Thompson Yamput

The Plateau State Local Government elections will hold as scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 9, as the Jos appellate Court dismissed Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) application for an injunction to stop the election.

PDP, through its Counsel, Edward Pwajok (SAN), had filed a motion before the Appellate Court seeking for an injunction to stop the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) from conducting the LG polls pending the determination of its appeal against a High Court judgement that excludes the party from participating in the election.

Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, lead Judge of the Court of Appeal (COA), dismissed PDP’s application on the ground that it failed woefully due to lack of diligent prosecution.

“The respondent (PLASIEC), had quoted section 7(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as part of reasons why Saturday’s election must hold so as not to create vacuum in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) but the appellant didn’t attack that.

“We shouldn’t be seen to be violating the constitution but to uphold it. Again looking at the current situation in Plateau, it will be unwise for us to add to it.

“Therefore, failure on the part of the applicant to address section 7(1) raised by the respondent, the application for injunction is bound to fail and has woefully failed.

“But for the first prayer seeking for an order for accelerated hearing, is hereby upheld and so granted.

“Accordingly, the motion for an interim injunction is hereby dismissed,” the judge declared.

The Judge then adjourned the case to Nov. 22 for hearing.

Chief Garba Pwul, Counsel to PLASIEC, in his motion of Preliminary Objection, described the application as “incompetent” and “contrary to section 7(1) of the Constitution of Nigeria.

“My Lord, that section says the LGAs should not be left in vacuum without democratically elected officials to pilot the affairs of the LGAs.

“The tenure of the present Council chairmen will elapse midnight (Friday, Oct. 8) and our fear is that there will be a vacuum that will be created if this polls are not allowed to hold on Saturday, Oct 9.

“In the light of all the arguments put before your lordship, it’s our plea that the appellant’s application for an injunction be ignored and dismissed for lack of merit,” Pwul pleaded.

Speaking to Journalists shortly after the ruling, Pwajok pleaded with the people of Plateau to be patient and participate in the election in a very peaceful and orderly manner for it to be successful.

He said that the appeal would be diligently prosecuted to the end to right the wrongs and injustices for the good and progress of the state. (NAN)

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