ADOPTION OF FINAL WRITTEN ADDRESS, ABIA TRIBUNAL ADJORNS SITTING!!
*Today, 25th, August, 2023, Labour party, the 3rd Respondent in the matter brought by Chief Okey Ahiwe challenging the declaration of Mr Alex Otti as winner of Abia State Governorship Election, was to open their proposed defence wherein they scheduled to call five (5) Witnesses. But to the shock of everybody, they didn't call any Witness but tendered two (2) documents from the bar as evidence in support and thereafter closed their defence .
*Professor Paul Ananaba SAN, the lead Counsel to the Petitioners didn't object to admissibility of the documents but happily called them, "very good documents". The Tribunal admitted the documents and marked as exhibit before the court.
*The documents tendered by the Labour Party Lawyers were, Certified True Copies of the Kano Federal High Court Judgment between Ibrahim Haruna vs INEC & Another and the Appeal Court, Kano Division ruling in pursuant to the FHC Judgement in case number CA/KN/101/M/2023, made on the 27th May, 2023, between Alex Chioma Otti vs Ibrahim Haruna & 2 Ors.
*Professor Paul Ananaba SAN, also brought to the attention of the court, his pending application seeking to hold the Independent National Electoral Commission in contempt for flouting the order of court by refusing to allow the Petitioners access for forensic inspection of digital contents of the BVAS used for the gubernatorial election. The application after exhaustive debate by lawyers to both parties, was reserved for ruling on day of judgment.
*Finally, tribunal adjourned until the 7th of September, 2023 for adoption of Final Written Addresses. The Petitioners and Respondents were given 5 days each for their written addresses, while additional 2 days was given to the Respondents to reply on points on law.
*Professor Paul Ananaba SAN on behalf of the entire lawyers, thanked the 3 man panel for their patience, guidance and lessons learnt. He prayed God to give them the wisdom and courage to deliver Judgment according to the law without fear or favour. In his response on behalf of the panel, the member 2, thanked the lawyers for their commendable conduct throughout the proceedings and wished them well.
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