RIVERS POLL: APC asks tribunal to disqualify self over allegation of bias

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has asked the Justice I.W. Jaro-
led tribunal currently hearing all the petitions lodged by its candidates in the
March 28, 2015, National Assembly elections in Rivers State, to disqualify
itself.
APC, through its team of lawyers led by Chief B.E. Nwofor, SAN, said it no
longer has confidence in the ability of members of the tribunal to objectively
determine petitions of its National Assembly candidates filed against the
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidates in Rivers State.
It specifically accused the Justice Jaro-led panel of deliberately assisting the
PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to stall
proceedings at the tribunal by granting frivolous applications.
Besides, it alleged that in the petition that was filed by its candidate for Rivers
East Senatorial District, Chief Andrew Igbonule Uchendu against Senator
George Thompson Sekibo of the PDP, marked EPT/RV/NASS/14/15, the
tribunal, granted an application before it was moved.
According to the APC, the tribunal sidelined its own motion that sought to
expedite hearing on all the petitions before it.
It alleged that instead of commencing hearing on the substantive suits, the
tribunal rather chose to firstly hear and determine over 16 pending preliminary
objections that were raised by the PDP and other respondents in the matter.