By Umar Dankano, Yola.
The Adamawa State African Democratic Congress, ADC gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 election, Ambassador Umar Suleiman aka Omarana has been fined N3Million over alleged indiscriminate pasting of campaign posters on public infrastructures.
Delivering judgment in the case between the state ministry of environment, Attorney General and Ambassador Umar Suleiman at chief magistrate court ll Yola on Thursday, the court held that the ADC guber-candidate has violated an executive order issued by the state government prohibiting pasting of campaign posters on public property.
Chief Magistrate Musa Adamu slammed the N3M million administrative fine on the ADC governorship candidate for indiscriminate placement of campaign posters against an executive order.
The executive order forms part of the Adamawa State Government’s environmental protection policy aimed at preventing the defacement of public infrastructure.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the judgment at the court’s premises, legal counsel to Ambassador Umar, Bar. Bala Sanga, clarified that the court did not convict his client of any criminal offence noting that the proceedings were purely administrative.
“If it were a criminal trial, we would have entered a full-blown defence and ventilated all the issues appropriately,” he told newsmen.
He stressed that no criminal charge was read to the defendant, no plea was taken and no formal arraignment took place.
”He has not been found guilty of any offence. It is an administrative fine. No charge was read, no plea was taken and no arraignment was made. The court agreed with our position that this was an administrative issue,” Sanga said.
Reacting to the court’s ruling, the African Democratic Congress,ADC.Adamawa state chapter welcomed the judgment reaffirming its faith in the rule of law and the judiciary.
In a press statement issued by the Director General of the Omarana campaign Organization, Elder Mark Wosi
stressing that, the court’s decision represents an important affirmation of the role of the judiciary as an independent institution committed to justice, fairness, and the rule of law
‘The Omarana Campaign Organisation welcomes today’s ruling delivered by the Chief Magistrate Court No. 2, Jimeta, in the matter involving our Principal, Amb. Engr. Omar Suleiman (Dokaji Adamawa).
.”From the outset, the Organisation has maintained that legal disputes should be resolved through lawful and constitution al means.We therefore appreciate the Court for discharging its constitutional responsibility with dignity and impartiality.
“We sincerely commend our legal team for its exceptional representation and thank members of the media, civil society organisations, security agencies, and our supporters for conducting themselves peacefully and responsibly throughout the proceedings.
“While we welcome today’s outcome, we urge all supporters of Amb. Engr. Omar Suleiman to remain calm, humble, and respectful. This is not a moment for provocation or triumphalism. Rather, it is an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to peace, democratic values, and respect for the rule of law.
“We remain committed to pursuing our political aspirations peacefully, responsibly, and in full compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. The statement maintained.
