The governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia and led by Hon Justice Ogumoye has struck out the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogar against the re election of Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party on the grounds that the petitioner failed to file pre-hearing notice on time.
The tribunal said also that the striking out of the petition was based on the application made by the respondents, adding that they were also guided by paragraph 18 sub section 4 of the first schedule of the Electoral Act, as well as paragraph 10 of the legal practitioner acts.
Speaking to journalist shortly after, counsel to Gov. Ikpeazu, Barr G. K. Igwe (SAN),commended the panel on the ruling and advised the petitioner to get proper legal advice before proceeding further.
Counsel to Dr Uche Ogar, Godwin Chionye, said that what the tribunal has pronounced was lawful and cannot be contested,adding that there would always be a winner and a loser.
On what their next line of action would be, he said that their client would decide.
Meanwhile, the tribunal will on June 19,2019 ruled on motions seeking for the striking out of the petition filed by Dr Alex Otti of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) against the reelection of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu of Peoples Democratic Party.
The tribunal deferment of the ruling on the motion to judgement was in line with the Electoral Act and the fourth alteration of the 1999 constitution which provides that all motion would be heard and the ruling delivered along side with the judgement
The tribunal then proceeded in allocating time schedules for counsels to address the tribunal in their proceedings with Alex Otti as star witness was given 20minutes, other witnesses 10 minutes each, cross examination 10minutes and reexamination 3minutes if any.
By Nwachukwu Chinyere
