By: Stephen Leemene Deegbara
There are strong indication that the former Senate President David Bonaventure Mark may lose his sit in the red Chamber of the National Assembly. Three of eight witnesses called by David Mark in defence of the petitionagainst him by Daniel Onjeh of the All Progressives Congress at the National Assembly Elections Tribunal, did not testify as they were not seen when called.
The Counsel to David Mark, Kenneth Ikonne, on Monday told the tribunal that he had eight witnesses to call for the day to strengthen his defenceagainst the petition.The five witnesses that testified- all Ward Collation Agents for the Peoples Democratic Party, said the conduct of the Benue South Senatorial election was free and fair.
However, under cross-examination by petitioner’s counsel, Tunji Oso, one of the witnesses, who claimed that all accredited voters had their names ticked on the voters register, admitted that no name was ticked onthe register.
Another witness also admitted undercross examination that there were mutilation and alteration of exhibits, especially form EC 8A which was theresult sheet.
Following the disappearance of the remaining witnesses for the day, Mr. Ikonne, prayed the court to grant himmore time to persuade the witnessesto appear.He said one of the absentee witnesses actually told him that he had defected to the APC.
Daniel Onjeh of the APC had filed a petition seeking declaration that the former President of Senate was wrongly declared winner of the Benue South Senatorial election.Mr. Onjeh alleged electoral malpractices and substantial infringement on the Electoral Act, praying the tribunal to nullify the election and order for fresh poll.The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Mosumola Dipeolu, adjourned the matter to August 13 for continuation of defence.
