By
Managing Editor
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The Zamfara state National and State Assembly election petition tribunal sitting in Sokoto has nullified the election of state lawmaker representing Bungudu West, Basiru Bello Auki.
His election was nullified on Thursday following a judgment delivered by the three-man panel of judges.
The ground of the nullification of the election was on the fact that the sacked lawmaker has refused to resign from his work as a civil servant working with the Bungudu local government council (30) days to the date of election as provided for by section 107 (1) (f) of the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
Section 107(1)/(f) of the Nigerian constitution 1999 (as amended) states that “No person shall be qualified for election to a House of Assembly if he is a person employed in the public service of the Federation or of any State, and he has not resigned, withdrawn or retired from such employment thirty days before the date of election.
The tribunal in its judgment affirmed that the petitioner was able to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt.
Counsel to the petitioner, Barr. Ibrahim Ali tendered before the tribunal in proof of his case payslip of the last salary the sacked lawmaker received from Bungudu local government even after he was elected.
Ali also tendered before the tribunal a copy of a bank statement showing the date he was able to make a refund of the salaries paid into the account of the sacked lawmaker, which was after his election and subsequent declaration as the winner of the election.
Based on the judgment, the second runner candidate Hon. Basiru Lawal Bungudu will be inaugurated if Mr Basiru Bello Bungudu did not appeal the judgment.