By Uche Mbah
As the preliminary trials wind up and the substantive suit begins in the Appeal court case in which former Vice President Atiku Abubakar challenges President Muhammadu Buhari’s election, Erudite constitutional lawyer, professor Ben Nwabueze, announced his appearance for Atiku Abubakar.
Nwabueze, an academic and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria-one of the pioneers from the ivory towers-has been weighed down by age and age related infirmities, and had to appear in court in a wheelchair.
Although he was meant to take over as lead counsel for Atiku, he announced his presence, reeling out names of those who are with him. The task, however was taken from him by the current lead counsel, Livy Uzoukwu.
Nwabueze said he joined the team “to underscore the importance’ of the case to democracy.
He requested to addressed the court seated, and the Tribunal chairman, Muhammed Garba, granted him the honor. He later thanked him as he was wheeled out of the court.
Yunus Usman (SAN) announced appearance as the lead counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission; Mike Igbokwe (SAN) for President Muhammadu Buhari, while Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), appeared for the All Progressives congress, APC.
Nwabueze later expressed gratitude to the court for granting his first request.
“The determination of the petition will certainly impact on future elections and constitutionalism in the country,” he said , adding that notwithstanding of his age and attendant health challenge, he attended the proceedings to underscore the importance of the case.
