C’River tribunal: Ayade insists Senator Jarigbe’s election must be cancelled

The former governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, has given evidence from 310 polling units where he alleged there were electoral discrepancies during the February 25, 2023, election to back up the election of Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as senator representing Cross River North should be overturned.

Hearings of the case began on Monday on the petition, numbered EPT/CR/SEN/02/2023, before the tribunal headed by Justice M. A. Sambo with A. C. Akabua and J. Zululu as members.

Senator Jarigbe was represented by Mba Ukweni, SAN, and five other attorneys, and Ayade is represented by three senior advocates, namely Mike Ozekhome, Abeni Mohammed, and Murtala Abdul Rasheed, along with ten other lawyers.

Ayade claimed there were arrays of electoral malpractices in all the five local government areas that constitute the Cross River North senatorial district.

He listed evidence from Abuochiche, Afrike Ochagbe, Ibiaragidi, Nyanya, Otukpo, Ugboro, and Bishiri wards.

In Obudu, the former governor presented exhibits from Begiaba/Begiaka, Boche, Obudu Urban 2, Utugwang Central, and Utugwang North wards.

In Yala LGA, he presented evidence from Ochimofana, Gabu, Mfuma/Ntrigom, Okuku, Okpoma, Wanihem, Wanikade, Wanokom, and Yahe wards.

In Ogoja, he presented evidence from Ekajuk 1, Ekajuk 2, Mbube East, Mbube East 2, Mbube West 1, Mbube West 2, Nkum Ibor, Nkum Irede, Ogoja Urban 1, and Ogoja Urban 2.

In Obanlikwu, he presented from one ward, Busi.

The evidence, which was adopted as exhibits numbered by the tribunal, would have witnesses appear for cross-examination in subsequent hearings.