Aisha: ”Taraba needs a new touch”

A group in Taraba State has called on the Supreme Court to look into the governorship matter before it critically and deliver a “ judgement that will not further polarise the state”.

The Group for Consolidation of Democracy, in a statement lamented that the state has not known peace for a long time and that now is the time to ensure that the peace which has eluded the people is restored.

President of the group, Thomas Kuvwe, said that can only be achieved if the popular candidate is sworn in as governor.

He lamented that “Taraba people have never really been given free hand to choose their governor.  They have always been victims of imposition. But this time around, there is a chance of the state having an independent minded governor. So, I urge the apex court to give the people a chance by declaring Hajia Aisha Alhassan of the All Progressive Congress, as governor of the state”.

He lamented that if the Appeal Court ruling is allowed to stand, it would entrench impunity and that the nation’s democracy does not need that.

“How can they say that just because you are not a member of a party, you cannot point out a wrong committed. The Electoral Act is clear on this matter; every candidate must be sponsored by a political party. The current governor did not emerge through a Primary. Now, that should be the issue and not who is complaining,” he said.

He cited the case of Anambra State, where Uche Ekwunife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was sacked because she did  not emerge through a validly conducted Primaries.

“If you look at that case and this one; you will discover that they are similar. Also in that matter, it was the APGA candidate who went to court to say that the PDP did not conduct primaries. And the court nullified Ekwunife’s election. So, the major issue should be the law. I know the learned judges are there for the people and that they will look at all the issues dispassionately and give a favourable ruling,” he said.

He said; “A lot of people have said that Aisha will not be given governorship because she is a woman and from the north. This is the time for the nation to prove those people wrong and to show that our democracy has matured. We should be able to have a woman as governor at this stage of our democracy. We should show that we are not prejudiced through our actions. This woman struggled and fought for this position single-handedly; the Supreme Court should encourage her and other women by ruling in her favour”.

He said the ruling is crucial as it will determine the fate of the people and state, adding “ at the moment, so many things are at a standstill and that has actually been the lot of the state for many years. So, people are hoping that something new will happen to change the face of things”.