Map of Nasarawa State used to demonstrate the story.
Cecilia Onah, Lafia
The governorship petition tribunal for Nasarawa State, on Tuesday commenced pre-hearing sitting to determine the validity of the declaration of the APC candidate and incumbent Governor, Abdullahi Sule, as winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the state.
The tribunal which is entertaining petitions filed before it by the opposition Peoples Democratic party and other political parties, is headed by a three man panel of justices under the leadership of Justice Ezekiel Oyeyemi Ajayi.
The tribunal’s first sitting featured the pre-entertainment of petitions without going into the substances of the cases from the election.
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After the appearances of the counsels to the PDP, Joe Gazama SAN, and that of INEC, Ishiaka Dikko, the respondents requested for extension of time to the 9th of June, 2023 and it was granted by the tribunal chairman, Justice Ajayi, who then announced the adjournment of the tribunal sitting to the agreed date.
Speaking with Journalists at the sideline of the tribunal, counsel to the PDP, Gazama SAN, said the adjounment was for the interest of the parties involved, peace and justice.
According to him, all cases filed in respect of the governorship petitions are at the tribunal for the pre-hearing.
On his part, counsel to INEC, Ishiaka Dikko SAN, told Journalists that all the counsels to the parties have agreed that instead of having staggering applications, all the petitions should be taken together where it would be treated within three days after the pre trial.
Earlier, the tribunal chairman, Justice Ajayi cautioned counsels appearing for parties and candidates against bringing frivolous excuses before the tribunal as it begins hearing into the matters.
“We are here for justice, equity and quick dispensation of justice, and we will not entertain frivolous adjournments,” he said.
