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We lied for security reasons, say witnesses at Edo governorship tribunal

By Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City
01 February 2017   |   1:16 am
Witness called by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the on-going proceedings at the Edo State governorship election tribunal yesterday contradicted their written deposition submitted in the court.

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Witness called by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the on-going proceedings at the Edo State governorship election tribunal yesterday contradicted their written deposition submitted in the court.

They agreed that they gave fake signatures and addresses in the statement they made before the court for “security reasons.”

There was however confusion when they argued that there was no accreditation on the election day, yet they voted.

One of the witnesses, Ekpomriri Henry from Okpekpe in Etsako East claimed that the total number of votes in unit six did not tally with the number of accreditations in the unit.

The sitting became confused when Henry, while being cross-examined said he did not describe himself as the PDP agent in unit two in his deposition.

“I did not describe myself that way for security reasons. That was why I had to give a fake address and signature just for safety reasons,” he said.

When reminded that they have lied under oath, another witness, Imra Shuaibu said: “I have not lied under oath but I had to use the fake signature and address for security reasons. Again, I voted without accreditation because I have no option, I had to satisfy my civic rights.”

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