From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba has ordered all parties in the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kenneth Gbagi, to tidy up all pending application before the next adjourned date of June 19.
The three-member tribunal headed by Justice C.H. Ahuchaogu, gave the order at the resumed pre-trial conference.
Gbagi, a former Minister of State for Education, is challenging the eligibility of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and all the other candidates for the March 18 election.
Addressing journalists shortly after adjournment, lead counsel to the aggrieved SDP candidate, Magaji Mato Ibrahim, SAN, said: “There are so many applications by way of motion and that only one out of them was ripe for hearing.
“It means, only one has been responded to out of the several applications that were there.
“So, the tribunal in its wisdom thought it wise that instead of taking the applications in piece meal, the pre-trial should be adjourned to 19th so that by that time, all applications must have been responded to and then they will be taken simultaneously in one sitting.
“And I think that is the wisdom according to them which is also okay by all counsel and we all agreed that we should return to this honourable tribunal by the 19th of June to tidy up all the applications before we commence hearing in this petition,” he said.
Asked if he is satisfied with the legal fireworks in the tribunal, the legal luminary hinted: “It is one of the most organized, orderly and peaceful pre-trial.
“The attitudes of the honorable Justices of the tribunal are also very friendly and the atmosphere in the tribunal is also friendly.
“Lawyers are cooperating and we are sure that the opportunity will avail itself for us as petitioners to prove our petitions and by the special grace of God, we await the outcome the tribunal.”