Anambra Guber Tribunal Begins Pre-Hearing

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Ignatius Okpara, News Tuesday, February 4th, 2014

…As Governor Elect, Obiano Expresses Confidence In Judges

IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu

The Anambra state Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Awka has begun pre-trial of cases filed by party candidates in Awka.

Anambra state governor-elect Willie Obiano

At the resumed sitting of the panel led by Justice Ishaq Bello on Tuesday, four petitions filled against winner of the election, and All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA candidate, Willy Obiano were mentioned.

The petitions include those filed by Dr Chike Obidigbo against Obiano and two others; Sen. Chris Ngige against INEC, Obiano, APGA and ; PDP versus INEC and 25 others as well as that of Tony Nwoye, the PDP candidate versus INEC and 25 others.

Counsels to all the candidates had announced that they had filed their pre-hearing information forms as well as motions for extension of time to file other processes.

However, respondents’ counsels announced that they had filed motions seeking to strike out either some paragraphs of the petitions or the entire petitions for lack of competence.

Sen. Chris Ngige’s petition against INEC, Obiano, and APGA ,was filed by his counsel, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

He said “We have also filed a motion on notice asking the tribunal to direct all preliminary points of law or objection to be taken along with the final addresses of parties”.

The Tribunal chairman, Justice Ishaq Bello, while adjourning till February 11, for continuation of pre-trial conference, had expressed happiness with the lawyers for their cooperation.

The governor- elect, Chief Willie Obiano, who was physically present at the tribunal in the company of his deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, in an interview told newsmen after the sitting that he has explicit confidence in the tribunal judges, just as he expressed satisfaction with the proceedings.

He however, urged his supporters to keep calm as he was sure that the Anambra people duly gave him their mandate to be the next governor of the state during the last gubernatorial election.