By Jethro Ibileke
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Monday commenced sitting in Benin, on petitions challenging the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the 21 September 2024 governorship election.
Seven political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, Action Alliance, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Allied Peoples Movement, Action Democratic Party, and Zenith Labour Party, filed the petitions.
Members of the three-man Tribunal are Justice Wilfred Kpochi (Chairman), K. B. Yusuf and A. A. Adewole.
In his inaugural address, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, solicited the cooperation of the parties in the case, particularly the legal representations.
Kpochi who lauded the calmness in the courtroom, however, raised concerns about the influx of party supporters into the premises.
He said: “We would like to crave your cooperation. I can see this place is calm and hope it will continue like this.
“However, I saw many people outside and wondered what it was all about.
“On our part, we will say we will cooperate with you. You are senior lawyers. Do not shout at us and we will not shout at you either. If you notice any issue, draw our attention and we will listen.”
Responding on behalf of others, leader of the PDP legal team, Ken Mozia, (SAN), leading the PDP legal team, and Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), who led Governor Okpebholo’s team, promised that the parties would be professional in their trade before the Tribunal.
They assured the Tribunal that the supporters would be engaged so as to check the rowdy atmosphere during the duration of the Tribunal.
Subsequently, the PDP case against the Governor went into pre-hearing, where all parties adopted their exchanged written responses.
Thereafter, the Tribunal adjourned to 18 December for the hearing of preliminary motions in the case as well as the adoption of addresses of the six others.