Update on Umana vs Udom at the Governorship Election Tribunal, Abuja

The Governorship Election Tribunal for Akwa Ibom State resumed on Thur. 18/06/2015 at the FCT High Court No. 8, Abuja presided over by Hon. Justice A. S. Umar.

At the resumed hearing, the Chairman of the Panel, urged Counsel to both parties to adhere strictly to the dictates of time, given the special nature of election petitions and the timeline of 180 days for the completion of the proceedings before the Tribunal.

Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, leading Solomon Umoh, SAN, Dayo Akinlaja, SAN, Chief Victor Iyanam, former Attorney General, Akwa Ibom State, Joe Ukpong, Esq., Ubong Offiong, Leo Ekpenyong, Effiong Oquong pledged a total commitment to professionalism and cooperation in handling the petition so as to meet with the demands of the Law especially as regards to the time constraints.

The Respondents team was led by Chief Awomolo, SAN and he appeared with Paul Usoro, SAN. He spoke in a similar vein and pledged to cooperate with the Tribunal.

The Tribunal was faced with a plethora of motions and other applications namely:

1. Motion for extension of time to carry out and complete its forensic exercise at the INEC office in Uyo brought by the Petitioners.

2. Motion to strike out the petition for failure to comply with the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act brought by the Respondents.

3. Motion to strike out the Respondents Reply to the Petition for failure to meet the minimum standards required for front loading in that the Respondents failed to exhibit the documents pleaded in their Reply.

4. Pre Hearing Documentation: Answers and Responses.

5. Motion to relocate the tribunal to Uyo, etc.

Chief Olanipekun sought to move the application for extension of time to continue with the forensic exercise at INEC offices in Uyo. He described the exercise as basic and fundamental to his case emphasizing that it was a starting point for the prosecution of his case at the Tribunal.

Chief Awomolo, SAN for Udom Emmanuel pleaded for time stating that he was yet to see the application and needed time to be able to respond.

In a short Ruling Justice Umar ordered all pending applications adjourned to Monday 22nd June, 2015.

It would be recalled that on the 12th May, 2015, the Governorship Tribunal, sitting in Uyo had granted the request of the Petitioner to carry out forensic activities, including the photocopying of election results, registers and voter cards.