A mild drama played out on Saturday at the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as P.A Akubo, SAN, a member of the legal team representing the Social Democratic Party, SDP governorship candidate, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka has reported attack on SDP witnesses in Okene to the Tribunal Judge.
Barrister Akubo drew the attention of the Judge to the ongoing mass attack on SDP witnesses and supporters, but Counsels to the All Progressives Congress, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC opposed the report and insisted that APC members could not have been responsible for the dastardly act.
It was reported on Friday that witnesses from Okene in the Kogi Central Senatorial District came under attack with their residences, business shops and properties razed down by supporters of the APC after they came out to testify against the APC on Thursday.
Meanwhile, at the resume hearing of the Kogi State Governorship election petition tribunal, sitting at the National Judicial Council, Abuja ,Judges were present and counsel to the petitioner PA Akubo SAN and others were present.
Kanu Agabi SAN and others for the 1st respondent, Alex Iziyon SAN and others for the 2nd respondent as well as the 3rd respondent represented by Wahab Muhammed SAN and others were also present.
The Tribunal Chairman however, admitted that he read the news on several media outlets, but advised the Petitioner to report the matter to the security agencies.
“Well, I read the news in several media outlets, I advise the petitioner to do the needful by reporting to appropriate authority for investigation.
“I have seen news of the SDP National leaders calling on the attention of the IGP and others over the issues.”
After the altercation, the Judge ordered proceeding of hearing with about 9 witnesses from Kogi Central testified to over voting and the case was adjourned till Monday, April 1, 2024 for continuation.