In a significant development in the ongoing Kogi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal proceedings, the tribunal has issued a compelling directive to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso.
The order, issued on Monday in Abuja, mandates Cardoso's appearance before the tribunal on Tuesday to provide crucial explanations regarding the central bank's involvement in the November 11, 2023 off-cycle election in Kogi state.
The directive stems from an application filed by Alex Izinyon, counsel to Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi, who is the 2nd respondent in the petition brought forward by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate.
The application sought clarity on the CBN's role in the election process, particularly in light of allegations raised by Governor Ododo regarding the timing of the petition.
The three-member panel of justices, led by Ado Birnin-Kudu, underscored the seriousness of the matter by warning of consequences for non-compliance. Notably, the tribunal also threatened to take action against the CBN's Director of Corporate Service if the directive is disregarded.
This development follows a previous subpoena issued by the tribunal on April 18, compelling the CBN governor or any of its officers to attend the proceedings and provide evidence regarding the allegations raised by Governor Ododo.
Despite the tribunal's initial directive for the CBN governor or its officer to appear on April 19, no representative from the central bank was present during the hearing.
As the tribunal endeavors to uncover the truth surrounding the circumstances of the election and address the allegations brought forward, all eyes are now on the awaited appearance of the CBN governor before the tribunal. The outcome of this directive could potentially have far-reaching implications for the ongoing electoral dispute and the broader electoral integrity discourse in Nigeria.
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