By Baron Ike
It was a sad development for Taraba State on Friday, June 23 as the state had the election of one of its senators voided just as the governor lost one of his aides to an unexpected death.
Nigeria’s apex court, the Supreme Court on Friday, June 23 sacked Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi, representing Taraba North Senatorial District, ordering him to vacate his seat and refund all salaries and allowances he received within 90 days.
The court had also declared Shuaibu Isa Lau, as the senator representing Taraba North.
The order was contained in the judgement of the court on the appeal filed by Lau who had approached the Supreme court to declare him the duly elected senator.
Both Danladi and Lau are members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Lau had challenged the decision of the Court of Appeal that upturned his victory during the primary elections. He claimed that he was wrongfully substituted. His prayers were heard.
The apex court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate issued to Danladi and issue a fresh certificate of return to Lau.
In the unanimous judgment of a five-member panel of Supreme Court Justices, it was held that the appellant had the right to participate just like any other candidate in the primary election.
The apex court added that if Lau felt that his right was infringed upon, he had the right to approach the court.
“From the totality of the appeal before this court, all the issues are resolved in favour of the appellant.
“His substitution at the primary election is null and void since the appellant scored the highest number of votes, the only option is to declare the appellant as the winner of primary election.
“This court hereby orders that the appellant be issued with the certificate of return and the respondent should immediately vacate the seat.
“He should return to the National Assembly, all salaries and allowances received as a senator within 90 days.
Meanwhile, tragedy struck on Friday at Jalingo, the Taraba State capital when the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State Sylvanus Giwa slumped and died in his office at Government House.
The incident threw the government house into panic and got tongues wagging following the removal of the senator unexpectedly.
At press time, the cause of Giwa’s death could not be ascertained as the government was yet to issue a statement.