There was pandemonium at the High Court premises in Benin City, Edo state on Monday, following a clash by political parties supporters....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal is situated in the High Court premises, and had barely commenced its pre-hearing sitting when the parties supporters clashed outside.
Blueprint gathered that the supporters thrung the complex in solidarity with their respective parties.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and six other political parties are challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the September 21, governorship election in Edo State.
The plaintiffs include, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Social Democratic Party, Allied Peoples Movement, Action Democratic Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
Meanwhile, the three-man tribunal headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi also had other members which include l, K. B. Yusuf and A. A. Adewole.
At the sitting, the PDP case went into pre-hearing, where all parties adopted their exchanged written responses.
In his inaugural address, the tribunal Chairman urged for the cooperation of parties in the case, particularly the legal representations.
Kpochi lauded the calmness in the courtroom, but raised concerns on the influx of parties supporters into the premises.
He noted: “On my part, we will say we will cooperate with you. You are senior lawyers.
“Do not shout at us and we will not shout at you either. If you notice any issue, draw our attention and we will listen.”
Responding, Ken Mozia, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), leading the PDP legal team, and Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, leading the Okpebholo’s team, promised that the parties would be professional.
The tribunal adjourned to December 18 for hearing of preliminary motions in the case as well as adoption of addresses of the six others. ...CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
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