Petition tribunal begins sitting, sets timetable

The Plateau State Governorship Election Tribunal has commenced sitting and outlined its timetable.

The tribunal had earlier received a petition filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March governorship election, Senator Jeremiah T. Useni, against  the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Simon Lalong and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the petition, Useni sought the tribunal’s disqualification of Governor Lalong’s election over irregularities and to declare him (Useni) winner.

Speaking with newsmen after yesterday’s sitting, lead counsel to Useni, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), said they were impressed with the tribunal’s thoroughness, commitment and as well sense of humour during proceedings.

He said the tribunal adopted everything in the counter affidavit on behalf of the petitioners and also drew the attention of the tribunal to the objections raised.

Governor Lalong’s counsel, Barrister Lateef Fagbemi, said certain prayers of the petitioners were against the provisions of the Electoral Act. Justice Halima Salman adjourned the case to today for prehearing session.