The verdict of the Taraba state Governorship Election Tribunal that declared Hajia Aisha Alhassan, of the All Progressives Congress as the duly elected governor was greeted with mixed reactions in Jalingo, the Taraba capital.
While Alhassan’s supporters in Unguwangadi, Magami, Kasuwan-Yelwa, Sabon-Gari and Nyamu Sala areas celebrated, supporters of Governor Darius Ishaku condemned the verdict, with the governor vowing to challenge it at the appeal court.
Alhassan’s supporters were seen on the streets chanting “Sai Mama’’, Maman Taraba Oyoyo” to show their happiness over the verdict.
Alhaji Ahmed Umar, a resident of Jalingo said that the verdict was victory for democracy.
Also, a former senator representing Taraba Central, Alhaji Abubakar Tutare, said the ruling had given confidence to the common man about the judicial system.
In contrast, Mr Hariman Bovoa, the National President of Mambilla Youth Progressive Association, criticised the verdict, saying it was biased.
Also, Mr Gibeon Kataps, former Secretary to the Taraba Government, said Ishaku remained the governor, until the determination of the case at the Court of Appeal.
Governor Ishaku, who told a news conference in Jalingo on Saturday that he would appeal the verdict, added that he believed that the Court of Appeal would reverse the judgment and give him back his victory.
However, the PDP Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Napoleon Adamu, told newsmen that people in the state should accept the verdict and cooperate with the winner.