The Supreme Court today dismissed the appeal of Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the ruling of the Justice Abdul Aboki-led Court of Appeal which upheld the election of incumbent Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State.
The Justice Bode Vivour-Rhodes-led seven-man panel in a unanimous decision held that her appeal lacked merit.
Meanwhile, in a series of tweets on her official Twitter account, Alhassan, who is now Minister of Women Affairs, said she has accepted the apex court’s decision and urged her supporters to keep the peace.
She said…
The Supreme Court today dismissed our appeal on last year's election in Taraba State. The reason(s) will be communicated on February 22.
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 11, 2016
I addressed my supporters and well-wishers earlier this afternoon after the judgement, with the Chairman of our party, APC, in Taraba State.
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 11, 2016
As law abiding citizens I urge everyone to remain calm. There is no reason whatsoever to engage in protests. It is only God that gives power
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 11, 2016
I don't see this as a defeat, rather it is a challenge to always stand for what is right, for the good of my people and always defend them.
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 11, 2016
I appreciate all my supporters for standing by me all the time. I am very grateful for your support and encouragement. God bless you all.
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 11, 2016
To the girls and women all over Nigeria who have been inspired by my story, count this as a victory for gender equality & women empowerment.
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 11, 2016
To paraphrase Hillary Clinton, although we were not able to shatter that glass ceiling this time, thanks to you it has 275,984 cracks in it.
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 11, 2016
We have a govt to run at the centre & promise of Change to deliver to our people. That will continue to be our focus pic.twitter.com/nzByQbZ4nv
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 11, 2016
I remain grateful to all my supporters, the leadership of APC and my friends on Twitter. #MamaTaraba pic.twitter.com/tSudwAddvh
— Sen Jummai Alhassan (@JummaiAlhassan) February 11, 2016