Tribunal Asks Gov Ganduje, Abba To Attend Proceedings

The chairman Kano Governorship Election Tribunal Justice Halima Shamaki has told Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, ( APC) and Abba Kabiru Yusuf, (PDP) to desist from sending their representative before the court, to witness the ongoing state governorship election proceedings.

The judge on two sittings declined to recognize the representatives sent by the duo to witness the court process.

At the last court session, chairman, All Progressive Congress, (APC) Kano state chapter, Abdullahi Abbas informed the court that he is in court to represent Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

In the same vein, a former aide to Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Yunusa Dangwoni announced his appearance on behalf of PDP Governorship candidate, Abba Kabiru Yusuf.

The tribunal judge noted that the duo of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Abba Kabiru Yusuf are not allowed to appear before the court by proxy.

Justice Shamaki said “ they can not be represented, if they want to come they should come, I said it and I expect counsel to guide them properly.”

Delivering the tribunal pre-trial report Justice Shamaki urged counsels to the parties involved in the matter, to be ready to work within the set out time frame, Shamaki cautioned lawyers appearing before her to be weary of time, stressing that election proceedings are time-bound.

She disclosed that star witnesses would be accorded 20 minutes to testify, while other witnesses would be accorded 10 minutes to testify.

According to her, 253 PDP witnesses will all testify within the period of 14, disclosing that, INEC, Ganduje and All Progressive Congress, APC would be allotted 10 days each to present their witnesses.

She further reiterated her commitment to respect of time by saying “ I am like a moving train, I cannot be stopped, I do not allow waste of time, I said it.”

“I will not entertain request for adjournment from any junior lawyer, all of you in your team have more than one SAN, we must move fast, because of time .”She cautioned.