NSIMA EKERE vs. HE UDOM EMMANUEL: THE TRAIN HAS MOVED

The presiding Judge (Chairman) of the Governorship Tribunal, Hon. Justice A. M. Yakubu, today 28 May, 2019, performed the inaugural formalities for the post election proceedings (Election Petition) filed by Nsima Ekere, The Gubernatorial candidate of the APC in the March 9 elections against HE Udom Emmanuel, the governor of the state who emerged victorious at the elections.

The court urged counsel to abide by the rules of practice of the Tribunal, to avoid undue technicalites and ensure that justice is done on the substance of the case as filed.

Responding to the opening address by the Chairman, the Attorney General of the state, Uwemedimo Nwoko, Esq while stating that he does not envy the Tribunal over the very hectic responsibility they have to discharge, assured the Tribunal that their security is guaranteed in the state and prayed God to guide and grant them sufficient wisdom in the discharge of their task. He thereupon welcomed the the Constitution of the Tribunal to the state.

The Chairperson of the NBA, Enobong Akpan (Mrs), welcomed the Tribunal to the state and assured the Tribunal of the co-orporation of the NBA throughout the proceedings of the Tribunal.

Responding on behalf of the bar, Dr. Ikpeazu, SAN the most senior member of the bar and counsel to 1st Respondent, HE Udom Emmanuel assured the court that the bar shall work amicably throughout the proceedings. He also assured the court that the bar shall avoid unnecessary technicality and aim for substantial justice. The counsel to the Petitioner also promised to align and co-operate with the court in the course of the trial.

It was on this friendly note that the train left the station and within 180 days, it shall without fail arrive its harbour.