Over 500 witnesses are to appear before Kano state Governorship
Election tribunal presided by Justice Halima Shamnaki in defense of
the March 2019 governorship elections won by Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
of the All Progressive Congress( APC).
The counsel to Ganduje, the second respondent, Barrister Offiong
Offiong(SAN), on Saturday at a pre hearing session informed the
tribunal that 203 witnesses have been enlisted to testify before
the tribunal in support of the governor.
According to him, the witnesses have undergone all the pre
requisite requirements laid down by the law that permits the
witness to testify before the court.
Counsel to APC Barrister Christopher Osiomole also averred that
the ruling party would equally align 300 witnesses to testify in
justifying the victory recorded by the candidate of the party in
the governorship polls.
The first respondent, Independent National Electoral Commission,
INEC through its counsel, Barrister Ahmed Raji(SAN) notified the
court that the electoral umpire would drag 29 witnesses before the
tribunal to give testimony on the conduct of the Kano governorship
elections.
Counsel to the petitioners , Barrister Adegboyega Awomolo(SAN)
disclosed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has enlisted 203
witnesses, who are expected to testify against the victory been
claimed by Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, APC.
Awomolo prayed the tribunal to struck out the contempt charges
filed on form 048 and 049 against INEC.
He told the court that INEC has availed the petitioners with
almost all the documents needed for inspection, remainder only two
documents are yet to be released to the petitioner by INEC, the
tribunal heard.
Responding, Counsel to INEC, Ahmed Raji requested that the
documents released by the commission to the petitioner should be
inspected at the court premises, noting the court complex is a
neutral ground
Delivering her ruling, chairman of the tribunal , Justice Halima
Shamaki struck out the contempt charges filed against INEC.
She ordered the matter adjourned to 16th July for continuation
of Pre Trial Hearing.
Subscribe ToNairalaw News!
Read more 500-witnesses-to-testify-for-ganduje-at-kano-gov-tribunal/