•INEC: we’re satisfied with our witnesses
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike will this morning open the defence in the petition filed against his election by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
APC and Peterside want the Justice Suleiman Ambursa-led three-man to nullify the election of Wike on the grounds that violence prevented people from voting and that figures were subsequently allocated to candidates.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday closed its defence at the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
Some of the witnesses brought by the INEC were presiding officers and electoral officers from different polling units in different local government areas in the state.
INEC, who is the 1st respondent, closed its defense after producing a total of 16 witnesses from different local government areas of the state to testify.
The petitioners are also challenging the conduct of INEC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the 3rd respondent at the election.
The petitioners were seeking for the nullification on the ground that the election was marred by irregularities and fraudulent practices.
Counsel to the INEC, Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) told the tribunal chairman that INEC had exhausted its defence and therefore, it would be closing its defence.
Ikpeazu said the witnesses presented by INEC and the documents tendered have proved that the elections were held peacefully in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
Ruling on the INEC application for the closure of its defence, the tribunal Chairman adjourned sitting to Wednesday for Wike to open his defense.
Ikpeazu told reporters that the number of witnesses called by the commission were in line with the allegations made by Peterside.
“We are satisfied with 16 witnesses who conducted the Rivers State Governorship Election in communities where the petitioner had alleged violence.
“The 16 witnesses are enough to prove that the election was held peacefully, contrary to the petitioners’ allegations.
“The witnesses are not called for the fun of it, but for the specific purpose of proving our case,” Ikpeazu said.