Osun guber: Omisore to call 500 witnesses

Osun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the July 9, 2014 election, Senator Iyola Omisore, has told the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Osogbo, the state capital that he would call 500 witnesses to prove that Governor Rauf Aregebesola did not win the poll.
At the tribunal's sitting yesterday, declined ruling on the applications of the All Progressives Congress challenging the competence of the petition filled by the People's Democratic Party against the victory of Mr Rauf Aregbesola.
Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Elizabeth Ekpejime who stated this while presiding over proceedings said all preliminary objections by any party would be heard during the trial proper.
Our Correspondent who was at the tribunal said the petitioner, Senator Iyiola Omisore and the immediate past Governor of the State,Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola were also present.
Justice Ekpejime said the tribunal was ready to hear the case urging the petitioner's and the defence counsels to cooperate so that all issues raised in the petitions would be decided within the time stipulated by law.
Counsel to the petitioner, Chief Chris Uche had told the tribunal that his counsel would like to streamline his witnesses to five hundred by submitting another application for additional witnesses to prosecute the case.
Chief Uche also proposed five minutes for each witness to be cross-examined to safe time as well as slashing of ten day for the first and second respondents to defend their case.
Responding, counsel to Governor Aregbesola, Chief Akin Olujinmi and that of the all Progressives Congress, Mr Femi Piero agreed with the prayers of the petitioner to streamline his witnesses but disagreed with five minutes for cross examination of each witness especially where services of  interpreters would be needed.
They also disagreed with the slashing of ten days for the first and second respondents to defend their case saying ten days stipulated by the law for each respondent should be strictly followed.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the proceedings, counsel to the PDP, Chief Uche expressed happiness at the decision of the tribunal.
Also speaking, Chief Akin Olujinmi said the decision of the tribunal did not indicate that the petition of the PDP was competent.
The Tribunal Chair person, Justice Ekpejime however told all the parties to file their issues for formulation on or before Wednesday 5th of November and adjourned sittings till Thursday 6th also of this Month when the tribunal would present the scheduling order for the hearing.



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