Election petitions tribunal warns APC against delay tactics

The Governorship Elections Tribunal sitting in Uyo has warned the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its candidate, Nsima Ekere, against delay tactics.

The tribunal led by justice A.M. Yakubu, gave the warning in reaction to a request by Ekere for more time to respond to applications made by respondents.

This is as counsel to Ekere, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, at the session at the Magistrate Court Complex in Uyo, prayed the court for an extension of the pre-trial period to enable them prepare their responses.

However, Assam Assam SAN, for the 1st respondent, Uko Udom SAN, for the 2nd respondent and Offiong Offiong SAN, for the 3rd respondent agreed with the application of the petitioner.

The counsels had all filed their applications for hearing.

The court extended to June 21, 2019 for completion of pre-trial hearings.

It would be recalled that the tribunal, a fortnight ago, struck out the name of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini, as one of the parties in the suit filed by Ekere.

Ekere is challenging the declaration of Governor Udom Emmanuel as winner of the March 9 governorship election in Akwa Ibom.