Oborevwori Sheriff Francis Orohwedor, the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly is the authentic Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday.
The Federal High Court’s ruling from July 7, 2022, which invalidated his nomination due to certificate fraud and perjury, was voided and set aside by the Court of Appeal decision delivered on August 29. The Apex Court upheld the latter’s decision.
In a lead decision, Justice Tijani Abubakar determined that originating summons alone cannot establish the serious charges of information supply and certificate fabrication made against the Speaker.
The Court concurred that the appellant should have filed a summons with the Federal High Court rather than originating a summons, which solely calls for affidavit evidence, in order to facilitate the resolution of disputes.
As requested by Oborevwori Sheriff Francis Orohwed’s lawyer, Mr. Damian Dodo, Justice Abubakar decided all legal disputes in favor of the sheriff (SAN).
The appellant’s case, David Edevbie’s, was ultimately dismissed by the Supreme Court after it was determined that it had no validity in any way.