Presidential Petition Tribunal stops Lawyers, Journalists from coming in with phones, electronic gadgets
There was palpable chaos at the Presidential Election Court on Saturday as lawyers, including Senior Advocates and journalists were asked to drop their phones and other gadgets including laptops before going inside the courtroom
A boldly printed notice was pasted at on the three entrances leading into the courtroom, with many lawyers expressing dismay over such directive
Many who had set out early to the court were left locked out as the door to the courtroom remained shut.
The situation got agitated when the secretary to the Presidential Election Petition Court, Josephine Ekperobe arrived, and told all the lawyers and journalists waiting to access the courtroom to comply with the instructions. This drew shouts of condemnation from the crowd of lawyers who had been waiting anxiously since about 9am, forcing her to withdraw
Few minutes later, at about 9:45am, the door to the courtroom was eventually opened to allow people in.
No explanation was given for the notice or who issued the directive.
But the Court’s secretary later apologised, saying it was ‘a directive from above’ “which will take effect from Monday 22nd May, 2023,” the Secretary added.
