APC ENTERS GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS WITH WORST GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL CASE IN HISTORY: APC State Chairman Testifies Against Himself
APC ENTERS GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS WITH WORST GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL CASE IN HISTORY: APC State Chairman Testifies Against Himself
EDO GOVERNORSHIP PETITION TRIBUNAL UPDATE
There was a mild drama Wednesday in the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal holden in Benin City as the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Barr Anselm Ojezua, testified against his own sworn testimony, under pressure.
In his oral deposition, the APC state Party chairman said that he didn’t rely on INEC’S manual for electoral officials 2016.
But his sworn deposition was read out to him by counsel to the petitioner, E, Ukala, SAN where he mentioned that the election was conducted in a free and fair manner in line with INEC’S manual for electoral officials 2016 and guideline.
Barr Ojezua, who was formerly Commissioner for nearly 8 years in Lucky Igbinedion PDP administration, was dazed when he was shown the obvious contradiction which he was making and he began to stutter.
The court roared in a paroxysmal laughter.
There was a mild drama Wednesday in the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal holden in Benin City as the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Barr Anselm Ojezua, testified against his own sworn testimony, under pressure.
In his oral deposition, the APC state Party chairman said that he didn’t rely on INEC’S manual for electoral officials 2016.
But his sworn deposition was read out to him by counsel to the petitioner, E, Ukala, SAN where he mentioned that the election was conducted in a free and fair manner in line with INEC’S manual for electoral officials 2016 and guideline.
Barr Ojezua, who was formerly Commissioner for nearly 8 years in Lucky Igbinedion PDP administration, was dazed when he was shown the obvious contradiction which he was making and he began to stutter.
The court roared in a paroxysmal laughter.
The 1st witness Mr. Evans Omolaye Alaye (3RW14), a businessman from Makeke in Akoko-Edo LGA, is to be cross examined using exhibit PO 9(1-16), PO 200 (1-16).
During cross examination by counsel to INEC Onyinye Anuwonye, the witness told the court that there was no complains from anybody not even from the PDP ward collation agent concerning over voting and improper accreditation, he added that he was never in possession of any INEC voter register on the election day.
Also A. Owonikoko (SAN), asked the witness if he signed the form EC8B because it’s computations were adequately carried out?, he answered Yes. So other Party agents signed the result too? He also answered Yes.
Counsel to the Petitioner ~
E. C Okala (SAN) – Are you aware that the INEC manual 2016 was used to train PU agents and conduct the election?
Witness – Yes , am aware but we weren’t trained with it.
Okala – Did the INEC PO discuss the procedure for the election on that day?
Witness – Yes he did, he told us that after accreditation there must be ticking same with Voting.
Okala – Was that done in your PU?
Witness – Yes, I saw him do it.
Okala – I put it to you that in your own Polling unit there was no ticking on the voters register.
Witness – Yes , there is.
Okala – You are wrong, there wasn’t.
That will be all my Lord.
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APC STATE CHAIRMAN TESTIFIES.
The 2nd witness, Mr Anselm Ojezua a lawyer and politician was lives at 2, Etete road, GRA, Benin City. To be cross examined using exhibit PO 391,2RO64, 1R022 and 3RO1-18.
Ken Mozia (SAN) – You attended the stakeholders meeting on how the election with be conducted?
Witness – Yes.
Mozia – Show him PO 391 (INEC manual) you are aware that the document only used to train INEC officials only.
Witness – Yes.
Shoe him exhibit PO 2RO64 and 1RO22(1), this is the INEC manual and it prescribes how the election is to be conducted?
Witness – Yes my Lord.
Mozia – In exhibit PO 1RO32(1), by that document you are aware that the guidelines for conducting election was amended?
Witness – Yes.
So in that document there are no reference to tickings?
Witness – Yes Sir.
Mozia – Look at exhibit PO 2RO64, the only portion where ticking is preserved is to denote issuance of ballot papers after accreditation in page 7&8 , paragraph 18(C)of the guidelines.
Witness – Yes.
Cross examination by counsel to the petitioner.
E. Okala (SAN) – Take a close look at exhibit PO 1RO22, is that the supplement to 2015 guidelines?
Witness – Yes.
Okala – Does PO 391 relates to the 2016 election?
Witness – No sir
Okala – Now is your case based on the statement, that the guidelines for accreditation and voting were accurately done?
Witness – Yes my Lord.
Do you still stand by paragraph 26 of your deposition, that the election was free and fair using the electoral act, manual and guidelines?
Witness – Yes.
Okala – Now in the voters register used in your polling unit, your name was only ticked to the left not to the right.
Witness – Yes Sir.
Okala – In the entire statement you never made reference to the number of accredited voters to the number of voters.
Witness – Please can I take a look at my deposition.
Okala – Give him the exhibit.
Witness – In paragraph 34, the numbers of accredited voters and total Votes cast are the same without stating the figures, he said.
The judge discharged the witness while L. O Fagbemi (SAN) officially closed their case.
Afterwards, the judge announced the closure of APC’s defence and went straight into the next stage which was the submission of written addresses and added that 4 days be allotted to the respondent each, 5 days to the petitioner and another 4 days for the respondents to respond and directed all parties to commence work tomorrow 16th March 2017 ,this amounted to 17 days in all.
Finally the chairman of the tribunal Hon.Justice Ahmed Badamosi adjourned sitting till Monday, April 3rd 2017.
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