Gombe Tribunal: Court Adjourned To 27th July, Petitioner Yet To Carry Out Inspection Of Election Materials

By Kalshingi H Jedidah Gombe

Governorship election tribunal sitting in Gombe yesterday adjourned to July 27, 2015 for continuation of hearing on the petition arising from the11th April 2015 gubernatorial election filed by Alh Inuwa Yahaya of the All Progressive Congress (APC) against Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The tribunal which is working within a deadline of 180 days is expected to resume hearing despite the lingering issue between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the petitioner regarding inspection and forensic examination of electoral documents as ordered by the tribunal still lingers.

Speaking on their position on the issue, Counsel to the petitioner, Barr Ayoola Ajayi maintained that INEC’s action of not complying with the court order in regards to inspection of electoral documents was an effort to frustrate the prosecution of the case, even as he insisted that, the petition has taken necessary steps relying on the tribunal to ensure that INEC comply with the order.

“We’ve not been enjoying the legal cooperation of INEC; INEC should always be an intermediary between the parties they are not supposed to take side. But what we have here is that they have been preventing us from getting the electoral documents, they are public officers, they are paid for public service, this election was conducted for the public, why should they stand on the way? He queried.

Petitioner’s counsel, who stated that, INEC’s action was negatively affecting prosecution of the case, also affirmed that they were making all effort within constitutional provision to ensure that justice has been done. “We are not interested in warranted justice but justice according to the law.” He added.

But INEC’s lead counsel Barr Hassan Leman had earlier, insisted that, INEC as a  has been complying with all directives of the tribunal, according to him, INEC had provided eleven volumes filled by the petitioner before the tribunal.

He said, INEC would continue to comply with all orders of the tribunal. “We will ensure that, latest orders of the tribunal are carried out to the later.” He added.