LAGOS GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL ADJOURNS LP'S HEARING TILL JULY 4

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By Aishat Momoh.O.

The Governorship Election Petition Court in Lagos, has adjourned the hearing of the petition filed by the Labour Party Governorship Candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour till 4th of July, 2023.

The petition was adjourned on Monday, after Idowu Benson, the lead counsel for the petitioner informed the three-member tribunal headed by Justice Arum Ashom, that a particular witness, who was scheduled for today’s hearing is absent due to ill-health that needed urgent medical attention.

He said, “We had prepared a particular witness for today’s hearing, but he was excused after he complained of ill-health that needed him to visit the hospital immediately. The witness would have been our sole witness of the day.

I have informed the counsels of the respondents who showed understanding on the development, which is why we would be seeking for an adjournment.”

Counsel to the fourth respondent, Norrison Quakers (SAN), alongside the other respondents’ counsel, conceded to the counsel’s request, saying he would not object since it was a health-related issue.

Quakers said: “The witness of the tribunal had a health challenge, if tomorrow is convenient we can come back tomorrow or the day after, except they have another witness but health is important.

After listening to the counsel’s no objection plea, Justice Ashom adjourned till July 4th for continuation of petition by afternoon.

On 25th of June, 2023, a witness, Isreal Dayo, who claimed to be an agent for the Labour Party for a unit in Lagos, was lead in evidence by Dr. Olumide Ayeni, the lead counsel to petitioner No. 3,4,5, 10, 12, 16 and 25.

Dayo told the tribunal that Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu and his wife were allowed to vote despite the invalidity of their voter’s cards while adding that he was beaten by some thugs alleged to be from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During cross-examination, he said, “When the thugs recognized me as a LP agent, they said if voters did not vote for APC, they would beat them.”

Dayo also, mentioned that during the election, he observed that some people voted more than once at the polling unit.

The LP and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are challenging the victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the March 18 Governorship Election.