UNIPORT disowns lawmaker, say he did not graduate

UMUAHIA — THE National and State Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Umuahia has been told that Mr. Emeka Nnamani representing Aba North State Constituency allegedly forged University of Purt Harcourt certificate with which he filled his INEC forms for the April 2015 elections. Nnamani was also alleged to still be a member of the PDP in his home State, Enugu while he contested the election on the platform of APGA in Abia State where he resides. These were the submissions of Dr. [Mrs.] Blessing Nwagba of the PDP who is challenging the election of Emeka Nnamani at the tribunal. Meanwhile, the tribunal headed by Justice S. Yahuzu has admitted in evidence a letter from the Registrar of the University of Port Harcourt disowning Nnamani as a graduate of the University. Also, the tribunal also admitted in evidence was a certified true copy of an expression of interest form filled by Nnamani who contested the PDP primaries in Enugu State for the House of Assembly, which the petitioner said was evidence that he was not qualified to contest in Abia State on the platform of APGA. The petitioner alleged that by this act that Nnamani was a member of two parties during the elections. According to Chief K. C. Nwufo, SAN, lawyer to the petitioner, by allegedly being a member of two parties, Nnamani allegedly contravened the Electoral Act, arguing therefore that his election would not stand. Nwufo also told the tribunal that the respondent told lies with regard to his educational qualification, alleging that he never graduated from the University of Port Harcourt as claimed. The Petitioner had closed her case. In his submission, Chigozie Ogunji, counsel to Nnamani said that the respondent was ready to enter his defense and hinted that they have no less than 10 witnesses to give evidence. The Tribunal Chairman has adjourned the matter to 24th and 27th of August for the respondent to begin his defense.