PDP Senatorial Candidate in Ebonyi South Vows to Appeal Tribunal Ruling

Silas Onu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial Candidate for Ebonyi South in the February 3rd, 2024 by-election, has stated his intention to appeal the ruling of the Tribunal that dismissed his petition against the Judges over alleged bias, injustice, and lack of fair hearing in his election petition.

The ruling came after Onu filed a petition to the President of the Court of Appeal and the Tribunal Panel seeking their recusal from the bye-election Tribunal. However, the three-man panel, led by Justice H.N Kunaza, dismissed Onu’s petition for lack of merit.

Justice Kunaza, flanked by Justice Bassey Bassey Nkanang and Justice M.O Agboola, stated that the PDP candidate failed to substantiate allegations of lack of fair hearing, bias, and injustice in his petition.

Despite the ruling, Onu expressed his lack of confidence in the panel’s ability to dispense justice and announced his intention to appeal.

He questioned why the panel did not suspend all actions pending the decision of the President of the Court of Appeal, emphasizing his commitment to seeking justice in the election petition.

Onu’s counsel, Caleb Onwe, stated his intention to apply for the certified true copy of the ruling for further action.

In response, counsel to Senator Anthony Okorie and second respondent, Roy Nweze, commended the ruling but expressed disappointment that no costs were awarded against the petitioner.

Nweze emphasized the need to deter anyone attempting to malign the integrity of Judges.

Similarly, counsel to the APC, Jerry Ezenyi, praised the ruling as excellent and perfect.

He indicated that he would not have objected if the tribunal had decided to recuse itself, as petitioned.