- Confusion arises in Kano over contradictory statements in the Certified True Copy of the Court of Appeal judgment
- The judgment on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s removal is muddled, with interpretations varying and potential typographical errors acknowledged
Kano is in a state of confusion after the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Court of Appeal judgment on the state’s governorship election dispute.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Moore Aseimo Abraham Adumein, the judge seemingly contradicts himself in the concluding paragraphs. On Page 68, he states, “I will conclude by stating that the live issues in this appeal are hereby resolved in favor of the 1st respondent and against the appellant.” However, he later says, “In the circumstances, I resolve all the issues in favor of the appellant and against the 1st respondent. Therefore, I find no merit in this appeal which is liable to be and is hereby dismissed.”
The confusion deepens as the judge sets aside the tribunal judgment sacking Governor Yusuf but also affirms the decision of the tribunal, causing ambiguity in the interpretation of the judgment. In the consenting judgment delivered by Justice Bitrus G. Sanga on Page 69, he agrees with the decision to dismiss the appeal, aligning with the trial Tribunal’s judgment. The third justice on the panel, Justice Lateef Ganiyu, in his consenting judgment on Page 72, also dismisses the appeal.
While some NNPP stalwarts see the development as favorable, a lawyer suggests that the confusion might be a typographical error, insisting that the reasoning of the court aligns with the well-reported decision that Governor Yusuf was removed based on his party membership issue.
A chieftain of the APC, confirming the authenticity of the CTC, mentions clerical errors and states that they will obtain the “corrected version.” He adds that the court has acknowledged the “typographical error” and will provide the corrected version on Wednesday.
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