BY SIMON EBEGBULEM
BENIN—THERE was pandemonium at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Edo State Thursday, as a man simply identified as Israel slumped during the sitting of the tribunal.
Lawyers and supporters of both the petitioner, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere and Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, fled the tribunal hall, while the visibly shocked chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Mu'azu Pindinga, immediately adjourned sitting for an hour.
Reports from Central Hospital Benin City indicated that the man is an epileptic patient and currently at the intensive care unit of the hospital.
The incident occurred when a second witness called by Airhiavbere was about to testify. There was a loud cry from the victim before he slumped, hitting his head on the floor.
There was a deep cut on his head which bled profusely.
He was immediately rushed to Benin Central Hospital by armed mobile policemen who were outside the court hall but immediately rushed inside when lawyers took to their heels.
However, when hearing resumed one hour later, Airhiavbere presented four witnesses who were cross examined by Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Adetunji Oyeyepo (SAN), counsel to Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
The witnesses alleged that Action Congress of Nigeria rigged the election in their various areas. Airhiavbere is expected to present more witnesses today at the Tribunal.
