Attempt by some political thugs believed to be sympathisers to the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) to disrupt proceedings at the ongoing Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal was on Monday frustrated by vigilant and determined security agents who uncompromisingly turned them back.
The thugs allegedly acting on instructions by the APC were said to be in the court premises to carry out the threat by Jarret Tenebe , the Edo State Chairman of the party, who had vowed on Sunday while on a national television that the APC would do everything possible to ensure that the witnesses to be called by the petitioners, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, are not allowed into the Tribunal.
To maintain order, the court had to enforce strict access controls, only allowing petitioners, witnesses, lawyers, and accredited members of the press to enter.
The petitioner’s legal team, however, stormed the court with the schedule of their witnesses in the petition marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024
The respondent’s legal team quickly asked for an adjournment, saying that the schedule was just served on them.
Kanu Agabi, SAN, argued that the Petitioner just submitted the schedule of witnesses and because of that the matter should be adjourned till tomorrow.
Adetunji Oyeyipo SAN, counsel to PDP, countered that it was not deliberate. He explained that it was because of the situation the petitioners found themselves, saying, “My Lord, the 3rd respondent state Chairman had made a broadcast (we have the video) where he threatened to get our witnesses and supporters apprehended in the court premises specifically today in court. We have shared this video with the lead counsels to the 3rd respondent yesterday.
And so my Lord, we submitted the list, and we have rejiged our order of presentation this morning, but the documents remain the same.
The respondents prayer for adjournment was subsequently granted and the Tribunal will reconvene tomorrow Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
