Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, was absent from the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal after being summoned to testify in the ongoing case involving his alleged forgery of an NYSC certificate. The subpoena was served on Mbah’s lawyer following an application by the counsel for the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
However, during the court session, the PRP counsel informed the Tribunal that Mbah did not appear, suggesting that he claimed immunity. As a result, the PRP counsel stated that he had no choice but to close his case. The next course of action regarding Mbah’s refusal or inability to appear lies with the Tribunal, which may consider sanctions or issue a judgment.
The lead counsel for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) noted that the petitioner failed to comply with the proper procedures for serving the subpoena, stating that the Governor would have appeared if the correct legal steps had been followed. The Tribunal adjourned the case to June 24, 2023, for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to present its defence.
