Welcome to another update on the ongoing court proceedings at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT). Today witnessed significant testimonies and cross-examinations as both the petitioners and respondents presented their evidence and arguments. In this summary, we will provide you with the key highlights from the day’s proceedings. See as follows;
Proceedings Commenced and Massive Evidence Displayed
The court proceedings began promptly at 9:32 am, with both the petitioners and respondents fully prepared. The Labour Party (LP) presented a vast collection of evidence, including two high-definition TVs to play videos. The first respondents also came prepared with their own evidence.
Testimony and Cross-Examination of Prof Eric Ufoedo
Prof Eric Ufoedo, a Mathematics Professor from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), took the stand as the first witness of the day and the fourth overall (PW4). He had previously given testimony the day before. During the cross-examination, he was questioned by the counsels representing the respondents – AB Mahmood SAN for the first respondent (INEC), Olujimi Akin SAN for the second and third respondents (BAT/Shettima), and Abiodun Awonikoko for the fourth respondent (APC).
Key Points:
Prof Ufoedo stated that if iREV (Integrated Results Electronic Verification) was properly utilized, the uploaded results would match those at the collation center.
He revealed that he was consulted by the Labour Party to assess INEC’s compliance with electoral acts and regulations. He analyzed the data for Rivers and Benue states.
When asked about the over 18,000 blurred results, he emphasized that it was not limited to Rivers and Benue states alone.
Cross-Examination of Lumie Idevbie, Arise TV Reporter
The second witness of the day and the fifth overall (PW5) was Lumie Idevbie, a reporter from Arise TV. The cross-examination focused on Arise TV’s broadcasting activities and the accessibility of their programs within their transmission zone.
Key Points:
Lumie Idevbie confirmed that Arise TV broadcasted the live program of Prof Mahmood Yakubu at Chatham House. He clarified that people within their transmission zone had access to their broadcasts.
Testimony of Ijeoma Osamor, AIT Staff
Ijeoma Osamor, the third witness of the day and the sixth overall (PW6), appeared before the court. She presented her ID card, witness statement under oath, and a flash drive containing relevant evidence.
Key Points:
A video was played from the flash drive, featuring Prof Mahmood ( INEC CHAIRMAN) stating that BVAS (Biometric Voter Accreditation System) has come to stay.
During the cross-examination, the focus was on whether Prof Mahmood had made statements regarding the transmission of raw results from polling units. Ijeoma Osamor denied any such statements made by the INEC Chair.
Conclusion:
The Friday proceedings at the PEPT were marked by significant testimonies and cross-examinations. Prof Eric Ufoedo emphasized the importance of iREV and the issue of blurred results, while Lumie Idevbie shed light on Arise TV’s broadcasting activities. Ijeoma Osamor presented crucial evidence relating to Prof Mahmood’s statements. Stay tuned for more updates as the court proceedings continue on Monday, June 12th, 2023, at 2 pm.
