The national assembly tribunal sitting at the High Court in Umuahia today, countered the move by Honorable Nkeiru Onyejeocha’s lawyers to strike out the petition of Mr. Jude Udeachara challenging her 2019 national election victory for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency.
The motion which was filed by Onyejeocha’s legal team demanded for the striking out of the petitioner’s case on the basis that it lacks merit. In responses, the petitioner’s demanded for an extension of time to file their reply to the respondent’s motion. Even though the respondent’s argued and resisted the extension of time, the tribunal judges accepted the extension of time demand by Udeachara’s lawyers to give room for fair hearing.
On the striking out of the petitioner’s suit, the judges referred to current amendment of the law application and ruled that all rulings on motions will be taken together during the final ruling.
The pre trail which started today will continue on Friday 24th May for assessment of documents.
On the other hand, the respondent lawyer for 2 and 3, which is INEC and the Returning Officer was barred from participating in the proceeding today because she was not dressed appropriately for court.
Barrister Olachi who works in INEC Umuahia arrived late to the proceeding and was barred from participation based on what the judges called improper dressing.
