The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal for Anambra on Tuesday witnessed a mild drama following conflicting report of an officer who appeared on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Hassan Karma was summoned by an order of the tribunal to present certain documents used during the March 28 poll for Ihiala Federal Constituency.
The duo of Mr Fort Dike of APC and Mr Chudi Momah of APGA, in a consolidated petition, is challenging the declaration of Mr Emeka Anohu of the PDP as the winner of the poll.
When counsel to Anohu, Mr Emeka Etiaba (SAN), invited the Police to present the documents, the Head of Political Bureau, State CID, Mr Paul Okere appeared on behalf of the police commissioner.
Okere, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, had hardly presented duplicates copies of polling unit results for Uli ward one and Okija wards one, three and five, when a police Inspector walked in with a different story.
The Inspector, Mr Hamza Adamu told the tribunal that the commissioner of police never authorised Okere to represent the police in the petition before the tribunal or to tender any document.
Counsel to APGA, Mr A.C. Anaenugwu (SAN) had earlier objected to the appearance of the police officer, contending that Okere had no authorisation from the police commissioner.
Anaenugwu equally opposed the admission of the documents as exhibits noting that they were not listed or mentioned anywhere by the respondent in his replies to the petition.
The tribunal in its wisdom however temporarily admitted the documents pending the resolution of the various objections which would be taken at the final adoption of addresses.
The petition was adjourned till Sept. 2 for continuation of hearing.
The petition was adjourned till Sept. 2 for continuation of hearing.
