The Labour Party, LP and it’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, on Wednesday revealed that their attempt to serve the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chairman, Prof Yakubu Mahmoud with a subpoena has been abortive.
The Petitioners, through their Counsel, Livy Uzoukwu SAN, drew the attention of the court to the subpoena which was to furnish them with certain documents.
He added that he spoke to the lead counsel to INEC, Abubakar Mahmoud who promised to help out.
He therefore, asked for an adjournment until tomorrow.
“We have drawn the attention of Abubakar Mahmoud SAN on the failed attempt to subpoena INEC and the office of the INEC to produce certain documents despite efforts of the bailiff of the court.
“He asked for a copy of the subpoena which I couldn’t produce at that time, but he suggested I give to any member of the team in court .
“I am confident we will do the needful and we will continue tomorrow.
Responding, Counsel to INEC, Kemi Pinhero, SAN, told the court that the petitioner’s counsel should stop using INEC as ‘a weeping boy.’
“It is not correct that the office of the INEC chairman refused to be served, but PDP served several documents and received replies,” she said.
He added that it has become the habit of the petitioners each time they want an adjournment to find a blame on INEC.
“It has become a habit, whenever they want an adjournment, they will look for someone to whip. I have no privy that he had any discussion with AB Mahmoud.
“We have no ideal of subpoena served and the refusal. PDP served us, we received and file our reply.
“Everytime the matter came up, they keep saying INEC is refusing a document.
“If they want an adjournment, they should ask for it and we will not be objecting. The reason on not accepting or refusing service is absolutely not correct. It is very uncharitable,” INEC defended.
Other respondents’ counsel however, did not object to the prayer for adjournment.
Meanwhile, the five-man panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani adjourned until tomorrow (Thursday) for further hearing of the petition.
