Okullu loses Onek petition

By Odwong Wod Ayo Gulu High Court on Friday dismissed with costs the election petition against Eng. Hillary Onek, the MP for Lamwo county. The petition was filed by Dr. Okullu Abuka Anthony Jalon, claiming that Onek was a non-citizen and was not properly nominated. Justice Augustine Kania said Okullu’s argument that Onek’s nomination was improper because Richard Okwera, the assistant returning officer, was not appointed by the Electoral Commission, could not stand. He said Okwera was duly appointed by the Returning Officer of Kitgum, Alfred Ocen Lalur. About the citizenship of Onek, Justice Kania said all witnesses Okullu produced were too young and below the age of 60 years and therefore unable to tell whether or not Onek was born in Ameri in Palabek Gem sub-county in Kitgum. Kania told the court room full of Onek and Okullu’s supporters that Onek was properly nominated as a Member of Parliament of Lamwo county and he dismissed the case with costs. In an interview with The New Vision, Onek said the money he is going to be paid in court costs cannot pay for the lives of the three people who died in a motor accident when he was travelling home from Gulu court. He described the late Lakonya as more than a brother to him. Onek’s lawyer, Mwesigwa, said he should be paid sh100m to meet the costs of the suit.