* Governor --Elect ,Godwin-Obaseki1 * Pix Source :www.thisdaylive.com
…As Governor Hails Judgement
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja today dismissed the alleged certificate forgery case filed against Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki by the All Progressives Congress(APC) and one of its members, Edobor Williams.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, held that the plaintiffs failed to prove their claim that Obaseki forged his academic certificates that he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) before the September 19, 2019 gubernatotial election in the state.
The judge described as lazy, the attitude of the plaintiffs, who did no make any efforts to cross-check from the University of Ibadan and the West African Examination Council(WAEC) the two institutions that issued the certificates they claimed Obaseki forged.
The judge stated that a Deputy Registrar of the University of Ibadan had given evidence in the suit that the university duly issued the certificate to Obaseki.
According to him, the governor was duly and properly admitted to study Classics which was later renamed Classical Studies in 1976 and graduated in 1979.
Justice Mohammed concluded that the plaintiffs failed to prove their allegations of forgery against Obaseki and, thereby, dismissed the case.
According to the judge, “Allegation of forgery borders on crime which must be proved beyond reasonable doubt.
“In the instant case, no iota of evidence talk-less of a proof beyond reasonable doubt was brought to prove the allegation of forgery against the first defendant ;Mr Obaseki.
“Having thoroughly analysed the evidence of this case, it is the conclusion of this court that plaintiff did not forge his O’Level Certificate, his HSC certificate, and particularly his University of Ibadan degree certificate.
“Accordingly, the plaintiffs’ case is dismissed.”
Obaseki Hails Verdict
Meanwhile, the Governor Obaseki, has hailed the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on the certificate forgery case brought against him by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor, in a statement, said the judgement is a triumph of the rule of law and a testament to the fact that truth would prevail ultimately no matter how vehemently detractors push lies in the face of incontrovertible evidence.
According to the governor, “The verdict of the Federal High Court, delivered by Honourable Justice Ahmed Mohammed is well-received and a victory for the rule of law. It was a most needless attempt by desperate individuals trying to undo the will of the people through the backdoor but we are happy today that justice and truth have prevailed.”
He noted that the verdict confirms once again that Edo people were well-guided in trusting him to lead them in the September 19th governorship election, promising to continue to prioritise the development of the state not minding the darts thrown by those who are embittered by their loss and continue their attempt to put spanner in the works even when they have been roundly beaten on all fronts.
“My profound gratitude goes to the judiciary who have stood indefatigably for truth and justice; the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR); my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); our party leaders and members; my teeming supporters; the good people of Edo State and all Nigerians.”
