The Kogi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, stationed in Abuja, took a decisive step, summoning the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, to appear before it on Tuesday. This move aims to shed light on the CBN’s involvement in the November 11, 2023 Off-Cycle election in Kogi State.
The tribunal, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, voiced discontent over the absence of any CBN representative during the previous hearing. This dissatisfaction stemmed from an application by Alex Izinyon, SAN, representing Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi, the 2nd respondent in the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate in the aforementioned election.
Despite a subpoena issued earlier to ensure the attendance of the CBN governor or its officers, no representative from the apex bank attended the specified hearing.
Expressing disappointment, Izinyon criticized the CBN’s response to the tribunal, deeming it “an act of contempt.” He made these remarks following the cross-examination of witnesses led by Paul Daudu, who represented the governor.
In response to Izinyon’s concerns, the tribunal ordered the appearance of the CBN governor and the director of Corporate Service on Tuesday to provide evidence. Justice Birnin-Kudu emphasized the seriousness of the subpoena, considering the bank’s failure to comply as contemptuous.
The tribunal adjourned the matter until April 23, providing time for the continuation of the 2nd respondent’s defense and for the CBN officials to explain their absence.