Tina Amanda
The Election Petition Appeal Court Panel sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed the interlocutory application filed by the Governorship Candidate of the African Action Congress AAC, BIOKPOMABO AWARA on legal representation.
AWARA through his counsel TAIWO TAIWO had approached the appellate court challenging the ruling of the tribunal which acknowledged HENRY BELLO to represent the AAC for the governorship election petition tribunal in Rivers State.
The five-man panel led by Justice J.O BADA in its ruling dismissed the appeal number CA/PH/PHT/356/2019 for lacking in merit, adding that AAC as a party has the fundamental and legal right to choose the legal representation of their choice.
Justice J.O BADA noted that judgement of a court is sacrosanct which all parties are bound to obey, stressing that AAC has right to change it counsel based on the judgement of the Federal High Court which recognized LEONARD NZENWA as the National Chairman of the party.
Speaking to our reporter Tina Amanda, HENRY ALERUCHI Counsel Representing HENRY BELLO legal team for the 1st Respondent AAC PARTY, said the ruling is in line with the constitution, stressing that the decision of the appeal has finally put to rest legal representation matter.
Also speaking, Counsel Representing PDP, MARK AGWU, said the ruling has proved that the appeal is a mere academic exercise and lacks merit.
On his part, Counsel to AAC governorship candidate Awara, DAVID ADEBE, said they would look into the judgment and decide on the next line of action.
