Delta Rerun Election Tribunal: Ogboru, Uduaghan Know Fate Monday

Source: OPIA WLLIAMS, THEWILL. - thewillnigeria.com
CHIEF GREAT OVADJE OGBORU.
CHIEF GREAT OVADJE OGBORU.

ASABA, July 21, (THEWILL) - In spite of the recent judgement of the Federal High Court that declared the candidature of Chief Great Ogboru of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) null and void in the January 6, rerun election, the three-man rerun tribunal in Asaba, the Delta State capital Thursday fixed Monday, July 25, 2011 for its judgement.

Chief Great Ogboru had gone to court to challenge the re-election of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (PDP) alleging irregularities in the election.

But in a twist of fate, the Federal High Court after several mouths of legal tango Wednesday dismissed Ogboru’s claim to be the DPP’s candidate in the election.

Meanwhile, tension has mounted within and outside Asaba metropolis between supporters of both political parties in the matter as the tribunal insists on delivering its judgement.

INEC’s counsel, Dr. Austin Ikpeazu (SAN), drew the attention of the panel to the judgement, when he averred that, “My lord, it is not as if election did not take place but voting didn’t take place in some areas. Already a Federal High Court had on Wednesday declared that the petitioner, Ogboru was not duly nominated as such ought not to have participated in the re-run election,” urging the tribunal to dismiss Ogboru’s petition on that note.

Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), counsel to the Governor Uduaghan, who toed the same line of argument when he insisted that Ogboru lack’s locus standi, also met brick wall.

But, Prof. Mogbeyi Sagay (SAN), objected, arguing that the judgment of the Federal High Court was not tendered as exhibits and therefore should be discountenance.

Prof. Sagay, wondered before the panel why the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Gabriel Ogbudu Ada, evaded testimony as a star witness in the matter. “INEC could not prove that election was conducted. Why did Justice Buba wait till now before delivering that judgment even apart from that the Federal High court has no jurisdiction to entertain the case,” he substantiated.

After listening to the submissions of the lawyers, the Chairman of the panel, Justice Doris Uzoramaka Ugwurike fixed Monday, July, 25th for judgment.