By
Managing Editor
________________________________
Parties to the ongoing petition filed by former Governor of Zamfara Bello Muhammad Matawalle and APC had adopted their final written address on Monday the 21st of August 2023.
It could be recalled that during the last sitting of the tribunal holding in Sokoto the Independent National Electoral Commission, which is the third respondent in the case, closed its case and the tribunal adjourned to 21st August 2023 for parties to adopt their final written address.
Counsels to both respondents Dauda Lawal, PDP and INEC while making adumbration asked the tribunal to dismiss the petition filed by Matawalle for lacking in merit.
They highlighted within their address key areas that they wanted the tribunal to take special notice of, and also cited some authorities they have relied upon to support their arguments.
Usman O. Sule (SAN) lead counsel to Bello Matawalle and APC (Petitioners) urged the court to allow the petition citing major arguments in the petitioner’s written address.
A small drama ensued during the Monday proceeding when Usman O. Sule (SAN) called the attention of the tribunal that the 1st respondent Dauda Lawal in his reply attempted to raise fresh issues for determination and that the statement by Usman O. Sule (SAN) triggered one of the counsels to Dauda Lawal Solomon Akuma (SAN) to urge the tribunal to allow him chance to reply Mr. Sule (SAN) on the point of law.
Again at the inception of the proceeding on Monday, lead counsel to Dauda Lawal Damion Dodo (SAN) urged the tribunal to allow parties at least (20) minutes each for them to make adumbration on key issues contained in their final written address, but Mr. Usman O. Sule (SAN) objected to the oral application by Dodo (SAN).
The tribunal agreed that the five minutes earlier allocated for adumbration by parties be maintained, hence all what the counsels may say are integrated in their final written address filed.
The tribunal adjourned to a date yet to be announced for judgment.
