The Abia State election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia on Thursday held its inaugural sitting with assurance of fairness to all the parties involved.

The sitting commenced with suit number EPT/AB/SEN/10/19 between Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District and Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, the Senator-elect for the same senatorial district.

The chairman of the tribunal, His Lordship Cornelius Ilori Akintoye while welcoming the legal representatives of the petitioner, Sen. Ohuabunwa and that of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, assured them that the tribunal will be neutral and unbiased in the discharge of their duties.

Counsel to the petitioner Mike Onyeka informed the court that all the necessary documents and processes have been filed and served by both parties.

Barr Perfect Okorie and Victor Etie, counsels to the respondent informed the court that the respondent is yet to be served with the petitioners reply and the pretrial notices.

The tribunal however adjourned to 13th May 2019 for pretrial while ordering the petitioners to make sure all the remaining documents are served on the respondents before the next adjourned date.

Source: ABN TV