MICHAEL EYARUOMA AKPIROROH, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the rulings of the National Assembly/Gubernatorial Election Tribunal sitting at Yenagoa, delivered on 2nd and 4th June, 2003.
The appellant was a candidate in the House of Representative election Southern Ijaw Federal constituency held on 12th April, 2003. At the end of election the 1st respondent was declared the winner. Dissatisfied with the declaration of the 1st respondent as the winner, the appellant filed his petition in the Tribunal against the declaration of the 1st respondent as the winner of the election. Counsel entered conditional appearances for the Respondents including the Attorney General Bayelsa State who entered appearance for the 2nd - 22nd Respondents.
The Attorney-General also filed a preliminary objection whereupon counsel for the appellant took objection to appearance of the Attorney General but it was ruled that the Attorney General could appear for the 2nd - 22nd re…