Discrepancies Unveiled In Appeal Court Verdict: AG Asserts Governor Yusuf's Legitimacy

Governor of Kano State Kabir Yusuf

 

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Kano State, Haruna Isah Dederi, has shed light on discrepancies within the Appeal Court's judgment that initially ousted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Dederi disclosed that the oral delivery of the judgment by a Justice of the Appellate Court differed from the content of the Certified True Copy (CTC) presented to them. According to Dederi, the CTC of the Appeal Court's judgment contradicts the oral verdict, revealing that the Tribunal's decision to remove Governor Yusuf was set aside by the Appellate Court. He addressed this issue during a press briefing on Tuesday night, responding to inquiries about the Appeal Court's judgment.

Recall that on September 20, 2023, the Kano State Election Petitions Tribunal invalidated Governor Yusuf's position, declaring Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the APC as the rightful winner of the March 18 governorship election. Dissatisfied with the Tribunal's decision, Governor Yusuf and the NNPP sought recourse in the Appeal Court, which affirmed the lower court's judgment on November 17.

Dederi explained, "Judgment was given in respect of all our four appeals... On the 17th of this month, Friday specifically, judgment was read. Now that everything has come to limelight, we have got copies of the judgment from the Court of Appeal."

He further revealed the discrepancy in the Appeal Court's judgment concerning Governor Yusuf's appeal. While the court's announcement indicated an affirmation of the Tribunal's decision, the CTC, on page 67, specifies that the judgment of the Tribunal was set aside.

Dederi clarified, "We are yet to be aware of the judgment with regards to the other appeals. Our lawyers have already commenced action with respect to this to file an appeal with the Supreme Court in respect of the Appeal verdict."

According to the Attorney General, based on the CTC of the judgment, Governor Yusuf remains the legitimate governor of Kano State, as the Appeal Court has nullified the Election Petitions Tribunal's decision that ordered his removal in September. "The effect of this is that his Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, because of the judgment of the Tribunal was set aside still remains as the governor of the state. This means there is nothing that will interfere with his position, status, and his chair as the legitimate governor of the state. That is the implication," asserted the Attorney-General.