Tribunal Slams Tinubu’s Lawyer for Frivolous Objections

The presidential election petitions tribunal on Friday cautioned Akin Olujimi, President Bola Tinubu’s lawyer, against making frivolous objections in an attempt to manipulate the proceedings.

iexclusivenews reports that Olujimi had objected to the presentation of an INEC-issued appointment letter to a presiding officer who participated in the February 25 presidential election.

But did not immediately state his reasons for the objection. He told the court that he would include his reasons in his team’s final address.

The presiding justice of the tribunal, Haruna Tsammani, cautioned Olujimi against repeated objections without disclosing the basis, which has become a major feature of the respondents’ appearance.

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“It is becoming a feature of your appearance that you raise objections without disclosing the basis,” Tsammani said. “This is not good for the tribunal because it will complicate the determination of issues.”

The lead judge said that the tribunal would not be able to determine whether the objection was against the evidence or the admissibility of the evidence if Olujimi continued to object without disclosing the basis.

What the court is saying

“If you continue to raise objections without disclosing the basis, we will not be able to determine whether the objection is against the evidence or the admissibility of the evidence,” Tsammani said. “This will complicate the determination of issues and may lead to a miscarriage of justice.”

Olujimi apologized for the inconvenience and promised to be more mindful of the tribunal’s rules in the future.

The tribunal’s caution to Olujimi is a sign that the judges are taking a dim view of his repeated objections. It is also a warning to other lawyers who may be tempted to use frivolous objections in an attempt to manipulate the proceedings.

The tribunal is expected to deliver its hearing on the presidential election petition on August 8.