…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has arrived at the presidential election tribunal as the pre-hearing of his case against President-elect Bola Tinubu resumes.
A video circulating online captures Obi entering the courtroom and exchanging pleasantries before taking his seat.
Cell Phone Ban in the Courtroom:
A recent directive states that starting from Monday, May 22, 2023, cell phones and other electronic devices will no longer be permitted inside the courtroom.
This measure aims to maintain decorum and ensure a focused environment during proceedings.
Ruling on Live Broadcast Request:
The presidential election tribunal has set a date to deliver its ruling on Peter Obi’s request for the live broadcast of court proceedings.
Justice Haruna Tsammani, the Chairman of the court, has scheduled May 22 to announce the decision regarding the application.
Application for Live Broadcast:
During the resumed hearing, Peter Obi and his party, represented by their lawyers led by Awa Kalu (SAN), filed an application requesting the live broadcast of the tribunal proceedings.
However, the respondents in the case, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sen. Bola Tinubu’s counsel Mr Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), and the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s counsel Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), opposed the application and urged the court to dismiss it.
Opposition to Live Broadcast Application:
INEC, Sen. Bola Tinubu’s counsel, and the APC’s counsel filed their opposition to the application for live broadcast, arguing that it was an unprecedented request and should be rejected by the tribunal.
Conclusion:
As the pre-hearing of Peter Obi’s case against President-elect Bola Tinubu resumes at the presidential election tribunal, the courtroom is preparing to implement a ban on cell phones and electronic devices.
The tribunal will also deliver its ruling on the application for a live broadcast of proceedings, with the respondents opposing the request.
The outcome of these developments will shape the future proceedings of the case, as both parties await the tribunal’s decision.