The Kogi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has been ordered to appear before the tribunal on Tuesday.
This order comes as the tribunal seeks clarification on the role of the apex bank in the November 11, 2023, off-cycle election in Kogi State.
The three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, took this action in response to an application by Alex Izinyon, SAN, representing Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State. The application was filed within the petition brought by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate regarding the timing of their petition against Governor Ododo.
The tribunal had previously issued a subpoena on April 18 to compel the CBN governor or any of its officers to attend the proceedings and provide evidence regarding Governor Ododo’s allegation that the petitioners filed their petition outside the legally allowed timeframe. However, no representative from the apex bank appeared on the specified date.
Subsequently, during Monday’s session, after witnesses led by Paul Daudu, representing the governor, had testified, Izinyon informed the tribunal of the absence of CBN representation and labeled the bank’s response to the subpoena as “an act of contempt.” He emphasised the importance of the CBN’s testimony for the timely resolution of the matter.
Other legal representatives, including Aliyu Saiki, SAN, for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and D.C. Demingwe, SAN, for the All Progressives Congress (APC), supported Izinyon’s application, stressing the urgency of the CBN’s appearance.
In response, Justice Birnin-Kudu emphasised the importance of the subpoena, stating it was a command in the name of the President of Nigeria. The tribunal condemned the CBN’s failure to comply and labeled their communication as contemptuous.
Consequently, the tribunal adjourned the proceedings until April 23, allowing Governor Ododo’s defense to continue and requiring the CBN to show cause for its non-appearance.
Furthermore, Izinyon informed the tribunal of their application for the record of proceedings, ensuring accuracy and transparency in the legal process.
Earlier testimonies in defence of Governor Ododo’s election victory were provided by Enesi Adavi Mohammed and Jimoh Onimisi Biodun from Kogi’s local government areas.
