Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the Court of Appeal’s decision to nullify his election, asserting that he was treated unfairly during the process. Governor Mutfwang, presenting eight points to the Supreme Court, expressed disappointment that only one issue was determined out of the eight he raised to validate his election. He also claimed that the Appellate Court did not afford him a fair hearing, contrary to the directive from the Supreme Court that all issues should be addressed by intermediate courts.
Speaking through an eight-man team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, led by Kanu Agabi, Governor Mutfwang urged the Supreme Court to acknowledge him as the duly elected governor of Plateau State. The hearing of his brief is scheduled for Tuesday.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of addressing all eight issues brought before the Court of Appeal, citing the Supreme Court’s previous directives on the matter. He argued that the dismissal of seven issues by the Appellate Court was inconsistent with the directive, which mandates intermediate courts to pronounce on all presented matters. This, he stressed, would allow the apex court to benefit from a comprehensive consideration of the case.
In his submission, Governor Mutfwang pointed out the necessity for a remedy in cases of perceived wrongdoing, stating, “the law is settled that wherever there is a wrong, there must be a remedy.”
Additionally, he contended that the Court of Appeal’s denial of fair hearing on the Notice of Preliminary Objection and a Motion to strike out the incompetent Grounds of Appeal further undermined the validity of its decision. Governor Mutfwang urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the judgment of the Court of Appeal, asserting that it was flawed due to the denial of fair hearing.
The Supreme Court is set to review the presented brief, and the outcome will be eagerly anticipated in the ongoing legal battle over the Plateau State governorship.
