The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor
Nyesom Wike of Rivers state and the Independent National Electoral Commission
of conspiring to disobey an ex parte order made on June 11, directing the
inspection of materials used for the conduct of the April 11 gubernatorial
election in Rivers state.
Counsel to the APC in the Rivers State Governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja, Chief Akin Olujimi SAN, who made the allegation while opposing an application brought by Wike's counsel, D. C Ukala SAN, challenging the tribunal's jurisdiction to grant the exparte order of June 11, told the tribunal that the order is yet to be obeyed since it was made.
Ukala while arguing his application had told the tribunal to set aside its ex parte order because it lacked jurisdiction to do so.
But Olujinmi, in his argument told the court that the electoral body did not file any counter affidavit to oppose the 2nd respondent's (Wike) application.
Olujimi in urging the tribunal to dismiss the application, said it was aimed at delaying proceeding.
APC's counsel told the tribunal that it was wrong for INEC not to obey the order.
"INEC did not complain about the ex parte order of June 11; but they have chosen on their own not to obey the order. That shows the shananigan underlying the application by the 2nd respondent for the setting aside of the application.
"It is desired to legalize the conspiracy between the 1st and 2nd respondents to frustrate the court's order" Olujimi said, adding that INEC is duty bound to obey an order of the tribunal than flouting the tribunal's order due to pendency of an application by the 2nd respondent.
He insisted, "the law is that if an order made by court is disparaged, dishonoured, disobeyed and disrespected, my Lordship has a duty to take firm and decisive steps to remedy the situation.
The tribunal has fixed July 9 for ruling on Wike's application. END.
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