From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has fixed August 29, 2019 for adoption of written addresses in the case between Senator Emmanuel Orker Jev representing Benue Northwest senatorial district and predecessor Sen. George Akume..
When the case came up at the weekend, Sen. Jev called his star witness, a former Secretary to the Benue State Government Dr. Melladu who told the court that he was the Zonal collation officer for the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP for the Senatorial District and tendered a certified true copy of the INEC result sheet and the local government results for the Benue North West Senatorial elections as supporting evidence.
Under cross examination, Dr Melladu revealed that he had previously served as a member of the Akume Campaign Organisation except in the 2019 election, averring that he (Akume) had always been victorious in his electoral contests conducted by the same electoral body which he has suddenly found wanting and challenging its credibility.
He said he monitored the election in at least eleven polling units within his own locality and the conduct was orderly and peaceful.
Dr Melladu also, intimated that he was privileged to be a member of the PDP control room and reports that emanated from the field on the day of election indicated a free and fair contest.
In a chat with a counsel to Sen. Jev, Terwase Gbasha Esq, he expressed satisfaction with the progress of the case so far, while stating with every optimism that his client would emerge victorious.
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