Adeyemi/Melaye: Coronavirus may disrupt tribunal sitting

By Emmanuel Oladesu Fears are rife that the Coronavirus pandemic may affect the activities of the Senatorial Petition Tribunal hearing the litigation arising from the Kogi West senatorial poll in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).Some lawyers, who spoke with our correspondent, said litigants may harbour feelings of fear, owing to the emergency foisted by the dreaded Covid-19.According to them, litigants, counsel and witnesses now seem to accord priority to life than litigation, hoping to return to courts with greater confidence when the atmosphere in the country is conducive.Senator Dino Melaye, who ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is challenging the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Senator Smart Adeyemi, in last years election.Although the National Judicial Commisdion (NJC) has ordered the slowing down of activities at the courts, the tribunals are exempted because of the constitutional provisions on timeframe.Read Also:Nigeria likely to record more cases of CoronavirusNCDCHearing in the case was to resume during the week.Dino and PDP witnesses have testified before the tribunal chaired by Justice Kashim Kaigama, shortly before the spread of the dreadful disease.However, APC sources said fear has gripped party leaders about the health implications of mobilising witnesses from Kogi State to Abuja at this delicate period.Two weeks ago, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner Festus Okoye announced that the agency was suspending activities, in response to the national emergency. Some INEC staff are expected at the tribunal as witnesse.Also, the APC senator, who believes he has a good case, is said to be apprehensive about the implication of non-appearance or shortage of witnesses willing or ready to appear at the Abuja tribunal.
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