Counsel to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sylva Ogwemoh SAN stated that the petitioners Mr Nsima Ekere and the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had not given them any reason to call witnesses so the commission did not find it necessary do so, Igbere TV reports.
gwemoh revealed to the reporters after adjournment on Tuesday that the onus to prove allegations in the petition rests solely on the petitioners which they failed to do.
Igbere TV reports that earlier at the hearing of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Ogwemoh had declared that INEC counsel need not to stress themselves any further considering the petition and the evidences presented before the tribunal.
“We have calmly considered the Petition and evidences of the first and second Respondents, we are of the opinion that calling additional witnesses is not necessary.
“In the circumstance, we adopt the evidences of first and second respondents and we rest our case on the case of the first and second respondents,” Ugwueme added.
Counsel to the PDP, Tayo Oyetibo SAN had closed the defense of the second Respondent after calling 11 witnesses, and told the Tribunal they would not call additional witnesses as evidences given by the PDP Witnesses and those of the 1st Respondent, were sufficient in the matter.
Counsel to the Petitioners, Jibrin Okutekpa, SAN thanked the tribunal, saying he enjoyed the support of his learned brothers in the case.
Also addressing the tribunal, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, Counsel to the 1st Respondent, registered gratitude to Tribunal for accommodating all Counsel.
The Tribunal Chairman, Justice A. M. Yakubu noted that the three-man Panel enjoyed the cooperation of Counsel, adding that the Tribunal is not surprised by the cooperation because of the capacity of the senior counsel involved.
Yakubu noted that the position taken by the Counsel on final written address is good but for lack of time, he announced five days for filing of written addresses for both Petitioners and Respondents.
He also said they have three days to file reply on point of law.
The Tribunal adjourned to September 10, 2019 for adoption of written address.
