Attempts by the outgoing Senator for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial district, Senator Goodwill Akpabio to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC from tendering documents before the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo on Monday met with brick walls as his prayers were rejected by the tribunal, Igbere TV reports.
Akpabio’s lawyer, S. I. Ameh (SAN) had opposed the tendering of INEC voters register and Form E40 that shows that elections were cancelled in some polling units in Ikot-Ekpene Senatorial district , particularly in some wards in Essien Udim local government area.
Results were cancelled in nine out of eleven wards in the local government area during the elections.
Counsel to INEC, 3rd and 5th Respondent had brought an application to court seeking leave to tender INEC documents which are relevant for the establishment of the facts in issues.
Opposing the application, Akpabio’s lawyer had argued that the leave ought not to be granted and also opposed the admissibility of the documents before the tribunal.
In its ruling, the tribunal dismissed Akpabio’s application, noting that it was not a matter that should generate any grouse.
It further held that it cannot fathom the basis and premises of the petitioner’s opposition.
Consequently, the court therefore held that the documents can be tendered and therefore dismissed the petitioner’s opposition.
Those who appeared along with S. I. Ameh, SAN for Senator Akpabio included, Adekunle Oyesanya, SAN, I O Peters, Paulinus Idio, Patrick Umoh, and Emmanuel Udosen.
Dr Chris Ekpenyong who was present at the court, was represented by Solomon Umoh SAN, Simon Peter Essien, N. D. Gwaison, E. O. Oyadigi, S. O. E., and N. M. Nyelong.
Samuel Ikpo, A A Asuquo, and Edidiong Usungurua represented the PDP while the 3rd – 5th respondents had Robert Emukpoeru, representing them.
