*Cites Section 137 As An Example Of Confused Electoral Rulings
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Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has expressed concerns over conflicting interpretations of electoral laws by different panels in the judiciary.
In an interview on Arise TV, Suswam reacted to the recent Appeal Court ruling which overturned his election victory at the tribunal level. He said while he accepts the verdict, the judiciary needs to address the problem of varying interpretations of the same laws by different panels.
On the specific sections, Suswam cited Section 137 of the Electoral Act which deals with proving irregularities and alternative results. He said in his own case, the tribunal interpreted it one way while the Appeal Court took a different view, unlike in the case of Senator Abbo which had similar facts but got a favorable judgment.
Suswam presented alternative results corroborated by field evidence which INEC did not object to. But the Appeal Court still ruled against him even though he met the requirement laid down in the Presidential election petition. This conflicting application of the law across different cases has eroded confidence in the electoral justice system according to Suswam.
On his legacy as two-term governor of Benue, Suswam admitted expectations were high in 1999 when democracy returned. While he tried his best to develop infrastructure and motivate the civil service, the people were more interested in instant benefits. This discouraged subsequent leaders from continuing projects.
Suswam blamed both poor leadership and followership for lack of progress. He cited constraints like low revenue allocation, high wage bills, and lack of industries that limit development in Benue. But he expressed satisfaction with his personal efforts to uplift living standards through projects, salary increases, and conducive working environment.
The former governor said he started politics early and has won 5 out of 7 elections contested, proving his grassroots support. He vowed to keep contributing his quota to the development of Benue State.
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