The National Assembly and House of Assembly elections petition tribunals have commenced sitting in Nasarawa and Niger states. At the inaugural sitting in Lafia, yesterday, chairman of the three-man panel, Justice Francisca Isong, stressed the need for cooperation between the parties’ counsel and the panel for speedy dispensation of justice, assuring all parties in the petitions of justice.
With 17 cases, comprising two Senate, five House of Representatives and 10 House of Assembly petitions, the tribunal adjourned for pre-hearing today. Responding on behalf of the counsel, Ismail Idris expressed confidence in the ability of the jurists to dispense justice in all the petitions before the tribunal.
IN Niger State, Justice Angela Otaluka enjoined the counsel and every participant and stakeholder in the election matter to master the rules before taking a step, as no laxity would be allowed.
Justice Otaluka handed down the warning during the inaugural ceremony of the tribunal, at the High Court Complex, Minna, yesterday. She reminded the stakeholders that the procedure to be adopted in the preparatory period for filing election petition and responding to it is strict and would give no room for mistakes.
“Do not be deceived by anybody. These tribunals have come to do nothing but justice, without fear or favour.
“The tribunal cannot be compromised. On no account should anybody, including staff, relatives and friends be deceived or be under the pretext that these tribunals would be open to gratification or compromise,” Otaluka said.
She assured that every participant and stakeholder in the election matter would enjoy a level-playing ground to handle their cases and exhibit their prowess within 180 days as prescribed by law.
The Guardian learnt that, so far, the tribunal has received 31 petitions from the three senatorial districts. Secretary of the tribunal, Usman Jankoli, said: “We have received four petitions for the Senate, eight for House of Representatives and 19 for House of Assembly.”
The tribunal was also put on notice for additional three petitions for the House of Assembly emanating from the re-run elections of April 15, 2023. The tribunal in Minna is also expected to commence sitting today.
