Election: Ekiti Lawmaker arraigned for possession of firearm

By Gbenga Ariyibi

Ado Ekiti- A serving member of Ekii State House of Assembly, Bisi  Kolawole was ,Thursday, arraigned in the Magistrate Court , Ado Ekiti for alleged possession of  offensive weapons  and act to distrupt state and national assembly elections

The lawmaker, according to Mr A.E Arogundade, a legal officer from the Ministry of Justice, who represented the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice was said to have committed the offence on Tuesday at Efon Alaye Magisterial District

Count 1, read thus; ”That you Hon. Bisi Kolawole on the 26th day of April, 2011 at about 11.00 hours at Efon Alaaye Magisterial District, did act in a disorderly manner to disrupt the National Assembly, State House of Assembly election of Ekiti Central Senatorial District and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 128 of the electoral act 2010.

The lawmaker, was equally  charged for the possession of an offensive weapon such as gun and cartridges within a distance of 300 metres of a polling unit and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 129 (1) (f) of the electoral act 2010

The lawmaker, who was represented by Mr O .Olatawura, however pleaded not guilty to the two charges preferred against him in court
 
Arguing the bail application ,Olatawura told the court that the offences are billable as of right. The legal practitioner therefore pleaded that the lawmaker be granted bail based on personal recognition and as a serving member of the state assembly.