Ortom reacts to Jime’s ‘victory’ in court

By David Mzer

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Benue State, Mr Michael Gusa says today’s judgement by the Appeal Court does not have any effect on the petition instituted by Emmanuel Jime and the All Progressives Congress, APC, challenging the re-election of Governor Samuel Ortom.

Mr Gusa stated this while reacting to the rulings of the Appeal Court on three appeals brought before it.

Gusa stated that the reinstatement of the witness statement on oath of Joe Abaagu on the main petition, the declaration by the court that Abaagu is competent to testify has no effect on substantive petition of the APC which has already suffered several set backs as the petitioners have already closed their case.

He added that the tribunal has adjourned till September 11, 2019 for adoption of final addresses of the parties and not to cross examine any witness whose witness statement on oath was earlier struck out.

Also reacting, the State Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Barr. Mue Clement revealed that the judgement of the Appeal Court has been overtaken by events, and does not improve the quality of evidence adduced by the petitioners in support of their petition.

He added that the court of Appeal refused granting reliefs B and C sought by the petitioners which urged the Appeal Court to reopen the hearing of the petition as it will amount to superfluous orders.

He maintained since the Appeal Court didn’t order the tribunal to reopen the case, what is left is adoption of final written addresses ahead of judgement and not cross examination of the star witness whose witness statement on oath was struck out.