By
Managing Editor
____________________________
At the resume hearing of the petition filed by Governor Bello Matawalle challenging the election of Governor Dauda Lawal the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appeared before the Tribunal.
The petitioner’s counsel, Mr. Usman O. Sule (SAN) asked the Tribunal to subpoenaed the Independent National Electoral Commission to come and tender some documents that relate to the conduct of the 2023 election.
Mr. Aminu Salisu Usman appeared for the petitioner where Mr. Usman Sule wanted to lead him in evidence as claimed by the respondents for both Dauda Lawal, PDP and INEC registered their protest.
Barr. Solomon Akuma (SAN) specifically stated that, the role of the INEC witness is to come and deposed whatever documentary evidence the petitioners requested him to do but not to be led in evidence.
After minutes of dragging between among the counsels, Mr. Usman Sule (SAN) informed the Tribunal that since the respondents have protested against the witness attempt to clarify the nature of documents he wanted to tender, he has withdrawn him and asked the Tribunal to discharge the witness out of the box.
The Tribunal later on the prayer made by the petitioner discharged the INEC witness and proceeded with the cross-examination of other witnesses in court.