Posted by By MOSHOOD ADEBAYO, Abeokuta on
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Director in Ogun State, Mr. Geofffrey Miri, who conducted the last general election in the state may be subpoenaed.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Director in Ogun State, Mr. Geofffrey Miri, who conducted the last general election in the state may be subpoenaed.
Miri, who was transferred to the state shortly before the last general election, is needed to testify before the Justice Tsammani's five-man election petitions tribunal.
He is also expected to give oral evidence and produce some electoral materials in connection with the election that was said to have been fraught with malpractices.
This is, however, subject to the outcome of the application filed by the INEC yesterday.
The subpoena served on the INEC boss by counsel to the Action Congress (AC) gubernatorial candidate, Otunba Dipo Dina was for him to appear before the tribunal to give evidence in the petition, filed against the election of Governor Gbenga Daniel over the April 14, 2007 election.
Counsel to Otunba Dina, Prince Babajide Aladejobi told the tribunal that he would like a 48 hour adjournment for the Resident Electoral Commissioner to appear as summoned by the subpoena before counsel to INEC, Mr. Mutiu Akinrinmade brought up a motion to discharge the subpoena.
Mr. Akinrinmade, who said he was ready to move the motion filed yesterday was seeking to set aside the subpoena issued on November 31 and served on the commissioner.
Prince Aladejobi while insisting on an adjournment, said he was not creating any problem for the tribunal, adding that the trial was being delayed by the defendants 'because they want to hide the skeleton in their cupboard."
The statement did not go down well with Akinrinmade, counsel to INEC, development that led to a shouting match at the tribunal before the Chairman, Tsammani called both counsel to order.