Drama at Rivers State election petition tribunal as witnesses confessed they were paid to lie

There was drama inside the courtroom of the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal on Friday as two witnesses presented by the Action Democratic Party (ADP), governorship candidate, Mr Victor Fingesi confessed that they were paid to lie.

The two witnesses confessed during a cross examination by the Counsel to Governor Wike, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), who tabled election data before them.

Igonikon Gbainyaa, the ADP witness, PW 19 said that he was not the collation agent for Ahoada West as the name, Stanley Okereke used on the witness statement on oath does not belong to him, saying that he was paid to lie.

Another witness for the ADP governorship candidate, PW 20, who identified himself as Wali Madume Okei said he had pressure from his conscience to declare the truth despite collecting bribe from the ADP candidate.

Okei told the tribunal that he was not a member of the ADP and at no time did he serve the party as its collation agent in Ahoada West.

He informed the tribunal that he was not the maker of the witness statement on oath as submitted by the ADP governorship candidate, adding that he was contracted few days to the hearing by some friends to come and testify in favour of Fingesi.

Okei confessed that other witnesses earlier called by Fingesi, were also part of the arrangement, noting that he is from Ikwerre and that the elections held across Rivers State on March 9, 2019.

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