Attempt to serve INEC with subpoena unfruitful - Obi tells court

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Labour Party, LP and it’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, Wednesday, revealed that their attempt to serve Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Chairman, Prof Yakubu Mahmood with subpoena has not been fruitful.

The Petitioners, through thier Counsel, Livy Uzoukwu SAN, drew attention of the court of 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 petitioners ‘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”

He added that it have 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 preview that he has 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 for further hearing of the petition.