Barring any last minute changes, full hearing will commence today in the petition brought by the governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers State, DAKUKU PETERSIDE. PETERSIDE and his party are challenging the victory of Governor NYESOME WIKE in the Rivers State governorship election on 11th of April, with the PDP, Governor NYESOM WIKE and INEC as respondents.
Yesterday; the rivers state National and House of Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Abuja continued hearing in the petition brought by MAURICE PRONEN who is challenging the victory of DUMNAMENE DEEKOR for Khana-Gokana Federal Constituency. Our Abuja correspondent JAMES IGAH reports that three witnesses were called in by the petitioner today. Upon cross-examination, the witnesses told the tribunal that the National Elections in the area on the 28th of March were inconclusive. They also affirmed that political thugs were assisted by armed policemen to snatch electoral materials before the elections could commence. They witnesses also claimed that sensitive elections materials, such as result sheets and incidence forms were not provided.
However, the hearing ended half way due to the inability of the Independent National Electoral Commission to produce before the court all materials that were used for the elections. The Tribunal had on the request of the petitioners ordered the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner to bring before the tribunal all items used in conducting the election.
However, the counsel to INEC said the materials could not be brought to court due to logistic challenges. The lawyer appealed to the tribunal to allow him produce the items before the end of the day, after which the tribunal adjourned further hearing till Friday.
