Again, Plateau tribunal adjourns till July 31 for adoption of written addresses

The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos has again adjourned until July 31 for adoption of final written addresses in a petition filed by Representatives Timothy Golu.

Golu is challenging the declaration of Mr Yusuf Gagdi by INEC as duly elected representative of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam (PKK) federal constituency in the NASS election of March 9.

The tribunal fixed the date following an application by Golu’s lead counsel, Mr Sunday Oyawole, asking for more time to serve other parties in the matter with his written address that demands a reply.

The tribunal had heard the arguments of all the parties involved including INEC and had fixed July 24 for adoption of their respective written addresses.

But when the case came up the adoption of written addresses, Oyawole, told the court that he had some challenges at serving some of the respondents with a copies.

“My Lord, we have already prepared our written address, ready for adoption, but then we have some challenges at serving all the respondents with copies

“The rules say we must serve all respondents, who in turn must reply us before it can be presented and adopted.

“In view of the circumstance, we wish to apply for a short adjournment to enable us to do the needful more so that we are still within time,” Oyawole pleaded.

All respondents’ counsel, who confirmed the position of the issue before hand didn’t object to the application.

The tribunal, however, frowned at the application, ad it noted such application wouldn’t have been necessary if the needful was done.

“We are not comfortable with the delay at presentation and adoption of your written addresses. On the last adjournment date, we all agreed to present and adopt all written addresses today.

“Anyway, we are giving you people another chance but make sure you don’t fail because we won’t grant such indulgence again,” the tribunal warned.

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