PoliticsTop StoryYou Decide 2023

Let’s focus on substance of cases, not unnecessary technicalities, Presidential Election Tribunal cautions lawyers

377

The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) on Monday commenced pre-hearing of the petitions challenging the outcome of the February 25 presidential election which declared Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress winner.

The five-member panel of Justices of the Court of Appeal that will decide and hear all petitions is headed by Justice Haruna Tsammani, the presiding Justice of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.

Other members of the panel include Justice Monsurat Bolaji-Yusuf (Asaba Division), Justice Stephen Adah (PJ Asaba Division), Justice Boluokuromo Ugo (Kano Division) and also Justice Abba Mohammed (Ibadan Division).

Justice Tsammani, in his preliminary remarks, stressed on putting the interest of the country first, saying it is “paramount”.

He also urged lawyers to refrain from time-wasting in their defence and the legal proceedings.

He said: “As we commence hearing of the petitions, let us avoid making sensational comments. Let us consider the safety and interest of the country, that is paramount.

“We should avoid unnecessary time-wasting applications and objections so that we can look at substance of the case rather than unnecessary technicalities.

“Let us cooperate with each other so that everyone will be satisfied that justice has been done”.

Reacting to Justice Tsammani’s comment, Dr Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), head of the Labour Party legal team, expressed confidence that “the petition will impact on Nigeria’s jurisprudence and constitutionalism.”

Uzoukwu assured that his legal team “will do everything possible to assist” in the legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, Mr A.B. Mahmood (SAN), lawyer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said: “My Lords, we are confident that at the end of the day, justice will be done.”

Counsel to the President-elect, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), assured the court of “ maximum corporation” and in the same vein, lawyers representing Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), pledged to assist the court to achieve a seamless proceeding.

Persecondnews gathered that the Action Alliance (AA) on Monday withdrawn its petition challenging the emergence of Tinubu as winner of the election.

The party announced its withdrawal at the inaugural session of the presidential election tribunal on Monday, according to Mr O. Maduabuchi (SAN), who heads the legal team of the party.

The court will hear petitions filed by the the All People’s Party (APP) and also the prayers of Peter Obi and the Labour Party (LP).

That of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) will also be heard.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Breaking: Pres. Tinubu orders release of #EndBadGovernance underage protesters

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors arrested...

Just in: Seven new ministers take oaths of office

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in seven newly appointed ministers, directing them...

Just in: Appeal Court acquits ex-CJN, Onnoghen, orders FG to unfreeze his account

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Monday discharged and acquitted...

ECOWAS, Nigeria, Morocco, Mauritania Commit to $26bln African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project

“The project, conceived in 2016 during King Mohammed VI of Morocco’s visit...

#EndBadGovernance protests: AGF to Police: Transfer casefiles of 72 defendants to my office

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince...

Updated: Abuja Court grants N1.1 bln bail to 114 #EndBadGovernance protesters

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a N10 million bail...

Just in: 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters arraigned in Abuja

The detained 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters just arrived at the Federal High Court...

Breaking: 10 fatalities confirmed as building collapses in Ibadan

A weehours building collapse in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday...

Breaking: After five hours of screening, Senate confirms Bianca Ojukwu, six others as ministers

The Senate on Wednesday screened and confirmed the nominations of Ambassador Bianca...

Senate begins screening of seven ministerial nominees

The Senate has started screening the seven ministerial nominees of President Bola...

Just in: PDP House of Reps member defects to APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained an additional seat in the...

Alleged homosexuality: RCCG suspends two pastors, launches investigation

For allegedly breaching the church’s doctrine and the Holy Bible, two pastors...

Helicopter crash: NNPC Ltd. spokesman Soneye cancels golden jubilee birthday celebration in honour of departed souls

Mr. Olufemi Soneye, the chief corporate communications officer of the Nigerian National...

Biden in 30-minute phone call with Tinubu, hails Binance executive release

President Bola Tinubu and US President Joe Biden held a 30-minute phone...

Tinubu Receives Briefing on Local Currency Oil Sales Amid Pricing Disputes

President Bola Tinubu has received a briefing from the Implementation Committee on...

Breaking: Outbursts against Tinubu: APC suspends former Osun Gov. Aregbesola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, a former...

Kcee and Flavour engage in heated exchange over Igbo music style

The Nigerian music industry is once again witnessing a brewing fiery clash...

In Lagos, 150 Ajegunle widows, vulnerable lifted with food items, cash gifts

As part of efforts to provide succor and the much-needed support to...

Economic hardship: I’m not T-pain, you are mischievous, Tinubu replies Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has come under fire from the Presidency...

Just in: Air Peace denies plan to hike Lagos-Abuja airfare

Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, has dismissed rumours about raising...