The Census Tribunal sitting in Abuja has declared the 2006 population figures for Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa as valid.

In a judgment delivered on Monday, the three-man panel chaired by Mr Abraham Yisa, threw out the petition filed by some stakeholders in the area on the ground that it lacked merit.

The tribunal held that the census figure of 130,966 as enumerated by the National Population Commission (NPC) was valid.

“The tribunal, therefore, holds that the evidence from the testimonies of the complainants’ witnesses were uncoordinated, contradictory and incoherent.

“The tribunal is satisfied that the complainants did not discharge the burden of proving the case on a preponderance of evidence.

“The tribunal, therefore, enters judgment in the respondent’s favour and upholds as valid the census figures of 130,966 in respect of the Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

“No cost is awarded.’’.

The complainants had alleged that the population figures were grossly inaccurate, blaming it on failure or negligence of the 1^st respondent to demarcate all the affected communities.

The complainants: Chief Coker Ineyougha, Chief Eldred Ananagha, Mr Beinmoipre Jonah, Mr C. Ene, Dr Godson Omubo-dede and Chief Ayolagha Dikuro had said that 30 communities were not enumerated.

They had filed the statements of oath of 68 witnesses out of which 26 testified before the tribunal.

The complainants prayed the tribunal to declare that the population of the affected communities and settlements of the Nembe LGA was more than the figures declared by NPC.

They further prayed the tribunal to order fresh demarcation of the 71 affected communities and settlements complained of. (NAN)