The ongoing suit at the Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, which was brought before it by PDP Candidate Prince Eric Aso Kalu, which seeks to nullify the victory of Hon. Mike Ukoha came to its end today 9th September 2019, with both parties tendering their written addresses before the tribunal.
During the proceedings, both counsels to the first and second respondents prayed the court to dismiss the petitioner’s case as it lacks competent and merit.
They argued that in Ututu ward, the allegation that there were inflated results was equally deflated by those who thought they would have use it to win the said election, adding that it is a mere interchange of figures between Ututu ward and that of Arochukwu ward.
They further stated that an INEC official who testified before the court had explained that the figures was interchanged and that there was no inflation or deflation what so ever.
However, counsels to the petitioner, Barrister Mike Onyeka and Barrister Ukpai Ukairo argued that for the fact that they did not file an affidavit on time, will not make the tribunal not to grant application concerning argument on Ututu ward.
They said that they submitted after the respondent said the result was swapped and not inflation/deflation, pointing out that there was no evidence to explain what swapping means.
They stressed that none of the agents who prepared the evidence was called upon to give evidence, and seeks that the petitioner should be granted a relief of the petition.
Barrister Emeka Etiaba while thanking the judges for their well thought out and meticulous handling of the court proceedings so far, expressed optimistic that his client will be given a favourable outcome.
Ruling on the matter, the presiding judge of the three man panel adjourned till Friday 13th of September 2019, for judgement.
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