Ahiwe vs Otti: Subpoenaed witnesses’ testimonies stalled over LP lawyer’s illness

The continuation of hearing in the petition brought by Chief Okey Ahiwe of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, challenging the declaration of Governor Alex Otti as the winner of the 18th, March 2023, Abia State governorship election has been adjourned to August, 10th, 2023.

Subpoenaed witnesses for the petitioners were to give oral evidence relying on their written depositions where they corroborated the petitioner’s argument that certain provisions of the Electoral Act were grossly violated by the 2nd ( Alex Otti) and 3rd (LP) respondents and that a document tendered by Otti was strange.

The drama got ahead when the petitioners served the respondents, on Friday with a motion and were ready to present the official witnesses for their oral evidence but the respondent’s Lawyers argued that the witnesses cannot be led in evidence the same day, because they needed time to study the application.

The tribunal in its wisdom adjourned the matter, seeking leave of court to allow the witnesses, speak to the documents they brought through their written depositions.

Saturday was ordinarily set for the matter to continue when surprisingly, the Respondent’s lawyers begged the court for adjournment because the Labour Party lawyer, Anayo Nwakodo took ill suddenly and didn’t appoint any of his many available lawyers to take his place.

The petitioner’s lawyers raised several objections alluding to tactical delay and waste of time as a major reason for the plea for adjournment.

They contended that the Respondents are petrified by the weight of the evidence of the official witnesses and thereby, seeking unnecessary tactics to avert the obvious.

The petitioner’s Lawyers prayed for the hearing to continue alleging that the witnesses’ evidence weigh heavily against Alex Otti.

The Petitioner’s lawyers also posited that any of the many lawyers under the Labour Party can stand in his place.

After arguments, for and against from both sides, the Tribunal in the spirit of fair hearing allowed the plea for adjournment but noted that it will be vigilant in making sure not to allow for delays in response to the fears of the Petitioners.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to August 10 for the continuation of hearing.