From Leo Zuanke, Lafia
The governorship petition tribunal for Nasarawa State began its pre-hearing sitting on Wednesday to determine the validity of the declaration of Eng. Abdullahi Sule, the APC governorship candidate, as the winner of the March 18 governorship election by INEC in Nasarawa State.
The tribunal chairman, Justice Ezekiel Oyeyemi Ajayi, cautioned counsels representing the parties and candidates against presenting frivolous excuses before the tribunal.
Justice Ajayi emphasized that the tribunal is committed to justice, equity, and the quick dispensation of justice, and it will not entertain unnecessary adjournment as it is bound by a 14-day mandate.
The governorship tribunal, headed by a three-man panel of justices under Justice Ezekiel Oyeyemi Ajayi, is currently considering petitions filed by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties and their candidates in Nasarawa State.
During the tribunal’s first sitting, the pre-entertainment of petitions took place without delving into the substance of the cases from Nasarawa State.
After the appearance of the counsels for the PDP, Joe Gazama SAN, and INEC, Ishiaka Dikko, the respondents requested an extension of time until June 9th, which was granted by the tribunal chairman, Justice Oyeyemi. The tribunal’s sitting was adjourned until June 9th.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the tribunal, Joe Gazama, SAN, the counsel for the PDP candidate and the opposition party, stated that the adjournment was in the interest of the parties involved, peace, and justice. According to Gazama, all the governorship petitions filed are currently before the tribunal for the pre-hearing stage.
Ishak Diko, SAN, counsel for INEC, informed journalists that all the counsels representing the parties have agreed that instead of submitting staggered applications, all the petitions should be consolidated and heard together, which will be done within three days following the pre-trial phase.
