From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
After 110 days of legal rigmarole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate for the April 11, 2015 election, Dr. Dakuku Peterside finally opened their case before the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal amidst protest by Governor Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the appointment of a new chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Adamu Guroma.
Dakuku and his political platform, the APC yesterday called eight witnesses to prove that the April 11, 2015 governorship election in the state was not only fraught with manifest irregularities, but was also conducted with total disregard to relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.
But this was not without stiff opposition mounted by the respondents, who questioned the appointment of a new Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Guroma, who replaced Justice Muazu Pindiga. Counsel to Wike, Mr. Emmanuel Ukala said they were worried by the development in view of fears and reports that the change was to favour a particular party.
Ukala, who informed the tribunal of his intention to protest against the decision at the appropriate authorities asked the tribunal for an adjournment to enable him consult with his client on the next line of action to take.
In his response, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), who appeared for the PDP while adopting the position of Ukala added that his client had been taken unawares as no notice was given to them regarding the change of the tribunal’s chairman.
Uche said in view of the anxiety created by the development, it was only reasonable for the tribunal to allow them time to consult with their clients and take necessary steps.
Counsel to INEC, Chief Onyekachi Ikpeazu [SAN] however, preferred to be neutral on the issue.
But responding, lead counsel to the petition, Chief Akinlolu Olujunmi, SAN, said they had no prior knowledge of the appointment of a new chairman for the tribunal as they only got to know about it on Wednesday in court.
He, however, said they could not question the decision of the President of the Court of Appeal in appointing a new chairman for the tribunal more so given the fact that time was already running against them.
“What we have to digest is the important fact that time is against us in this petition and everything that needs to be done to fast track the hearing of the petition must be done. In realization of this fact, we urged the tribunal to allow us to call our witnesses.”
In his bench ruling, Justice Adamu Goruma overruled the objections by Governor Wike and the PDP, saying he was posted by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, via a letter dated September 1, 2015, but which he received on September 2, to take charge of the tribunal, and would not go against that decision.
Besides, he said the petition, which was filed since May would soon expire on or before October 29 and every effort must be put in place to hear it expeditiously, adding that any aggrieved party had the right to pursue his case at the appropriate quarters.
“We did not consider it reasonably to delay the proceedings of this tribunal. We call on the petitioners to open his case.”
After the ruling of the tribunal, the petitioners opened their case by calling eight witnesses, Jack Tamunosaki, John Lekova Koottee, Mactarlane Dunabo, Adiesigha Halliday, Tamunosa Bristol and Charles Nyome respectively who testified that the election was marred by violence, ballot boxes snatching and other allied malpractices.
Hearing continues today at the tribunal.

Source:http://sunnewsonline.com/new/rivers-dakuku-apc-open-case-as-wike-pdp-kick/

Wicked Wike going!!!....

Demdem:
Like i have always said, wike and his cohorts can only kick, shout, threathen, wail and wail and wail again and finally have their say but they will never have their way in this new dispensation. one or two battles is for them to win, but the eventual war is not for them to win. Shepopotamus is no more, jonah-daft is booted out.........................Wike is going down, all for Rivers good.

You people will keep on ranting in the media while wike consolidates!! Was that not how you were ranting about Saraki a few weeks back!!

Ok. However, I forsee ordinary paid wailers association flood this thread ranting their usual thrash! !!