Nigeria Breaking News: Presidential Tribunal concludes hearing on CPC suit against Jonathan

Oct 11, 2011 – Nigeria Breaking News: Presidential Tribunal concludes hearing on CPC suit against Jonathan

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, on Tuesday announced the conclusion of its public hearing and presentation of witnesses in the ongoing petition by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) against the victory of President Goodluck Jonathan in the presidential election.

The tribunal had started taking evidence of witnesses on September 12, 2011 with the petitioner given 10 days to present its witnesses, while the 1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th as well as the fifth respondents were given five days each to present their witnesses for cross-examination.

Justice Kumai Akas, Presiding Justice of the five man panel, commended the counsels for their decorum in the presentation of their witnesses.

Akas said the determination of the petition would not exceed the 180 days which had been stipulated in the Electoral Act.

“We have come to the conclusion of public hearing and presentation of oral evidence in this matter.

“We must determine this petition within 180 days beginning from the day of filling the petition, and time is not on our side.

“We wish counsel to give us enough time to consider both oral and electronic evidence presented to determine what they have adduced,” Akas said.

He told the counsels to file their written addresses within three days.

Mr Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN), counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however said that counsels were entitled to 10 days, as a matter of law, to file their written addresses.

Gadzama noted that the court had the power to reduce the number of days due to the condition of time slated for the determination of the petition. (Daily Times)