Daud Olatunji, Abeokuta - 17.07.2007

The lead counsel of the state governor, Chief Gbenga Daniel, Professor Taiwo Osipitan, urged the court to dismiss the petition filed by Senator Amosun which challenged his victory during April 14 election on the grounds that it was not filed withing the stipulated 30 days.

Delivering his ruling after hearing from all the sides of matter, the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Haruna Tsamani, said although there were discrepancies in the dates, the tribunal had confirmed the application was filed within time.

Justice Tsamani, who exonerated former secretary of tribunal, Mr Petters Richard, of criminal collusion over the change in the date, said "there were administrative lapses on the part of tribunal registry and there was no criminal collusion between the registry and the petitioner

“The amendment is valid, it was filed within the required 30 days. It bears the usual assessment and it was stamped,” he said.

However, counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Oluleye Delana, shortly after the ruling, said due t o the fact that the event had overriden the application filed by Amosun to inspect electoral materials, the petitioner should make a fresh application for the inspection.