In a courtroom filled with
tension and heated arguments, Dr. Livy Uzoukwu fights to obtain justice by absorbing
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adhere to a subpoena.
The ongoing court proceedings shed light on the struggle faced by the legal
teams as they navigate bureaucratic barriers and seek essential papers to
present their case. Let us delve into the dramatic courtroom dialogue and
understand the implication of this legal battle.
The Subpoena Challenge
Dr. Livy Uzoukwu, accenting
the importance of respecting the subpoena, argues before the judges that INEC
must fulfil with the court’s order. However, AB Mahmoud, representing INEC, denies
any knowledge of the subpoena. This contradiction sparks frustration and raises
concerns about the proper adherence to legal processes. The judge intervenes,
emphasizing the nation’s interest and the need for a swift resolution.
Expressing determination, the judge wishes the legal teams to collaborate and
find solutions rather than resorting to tactics aimed at delaying or frustrating
the case.
INEC’s Delay Tactics
Dr. Uzoukwu voices his complaints
about INEC’s continuous refusal to provide requested papers, even after numerous
attempts. He reveals that crucial documents, such as IREV reports from several
Local Government Areas (LGAs), were only recently received, creating suspicions
of deliberate delay tactics. Driven by desperation, he implores the judge to
intervene and ensure that INEC obeys with the subpoena. The judge acknowledges Dr.
Uzoukwu’s unease and urges him to utilize proper techniques for document
submission. However, Dr. Uzoukwu conveys the urgency of the matter, as time is
running out for presenting their case. He emphasizes that without the necessary
documents, the legal team faces significant challenges and mounting obstruction. AB Mahmoud responds, stating
to have responded to Dr. Livy’s letter and fulfilled their requests. However,
Dr. Uzoukwu communicates surprise, stating that he did not receive any such message.
The conflicting accounts add to the already intense atmosphere in the
courtroom.
Seeking a Resolution
Despite the ongoing
challenges, the court explores a way forward. Dr. Uzoukwu suggests that if INEC
is willing to provide the requested documents promptly, the proceedings can
continue the next day. However, he emphasizes that until the documents are received,
the legal team remains in a state of limbo, delayed by the absence of crucial
evidence. The subpoena, which INEC refuses to accept, becomes a focal point in
the battle for justice.
Amidst the disturbance,
Ikwueto SAN proposes the possibility of interrogating a witness the following
day. Although the lawyers were served with the necessary documents shortly
before the court session, they express their readiness to proceed.
LP & Peter Obi’s Demands
Apart from the immediate
challenges, the court session reveals the demands put forth by LP & Peter
Obi. Their requests include:
1) Determining the
disqualification of Tinubu and Shettima from contesting the election.
2) Regarding the votes recorded
for Tinubu as wasted votes due to disqualification.
3) Establishing Peter Obi’s
majority of lawful votes cast and fulfillment of constitutional requirements to
be declared the winner.
4) Highlighting Tinubu’s failure
to secure the required percentage of votes in the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT) and invalidating his claim to victory.
5) alternative
requests include canceling the election and conducting a fresh one, or issuing
a Certificate of Return to Peter Obi while voiding Tinubu’s certificate.
