Twelve Members of the Niger State Local government election petition tribunal have been constituted by the Chief Judge of Niger State,Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik with a call to them to guide against any act that will drag their reputation to the mud.
The members of the local government election petition tribunals were constituted to preside over the matters that may arise from conduct of the council election from the three senatorial districts of Niger State.
She urged the members of the tribunal to uphold the integrity of the Judiciary and that of their names in the discharge of their judiciary responsibility, warning that they should resist any temptation from the politicians.
Inaugurating the twelve Members of the tribunal and three members of the Appeal session Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik reminded them to enshew any forms of corrupt practice related issue from politicians
She noted that some aggrieved persons among the contestants may not be happy with the outcome of the conduct of the elections while others are happy,” definitely they want to have succor by laying their grievance before the court hence the constitution of the local government election petition tribunals and three members of appellate panel”
Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, reminded the panelists that the procedures before the panel election tribunal matters are time bound stating that judgement or ruling will be reserved until the final decision in the case.
“ Also note that amendments are not after pleading have also closed. This is just a reminder because I know you have been tutored on the procedures before the panel for the local government election tribunals as court of first instance”
According to the Chief Judge, the tribunal has ninety days within which to hear and dispose of all matters while the appellate division has sixty days, adding that the courts have no discretion whatsoever to extend time to do anything by virtue of the local election laws.
The Chief Judge further told the panelists to ensure the delivery of Justice expeditiously warning them to remain impartial and they should also maintain the ethics and protect the integrity of the judicial system.
“ Avoid any conduct that would undermine public confidence in the judiciary and enshew all forms of corruption. I have excessively discussed the issue of corruption.
“ I have said you should protect yourself from the politicians. Yes because you have a name to protect. You have the integrity of the judiciary to protect. You should avoid technicalities. The era of technical justice is long past” justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik said.
Reminding the members of the tribunal, further,the Chief pointed out that they were privileged to be selected from their colleagues adding that their selection was based on merit and the best among you were selected.
She admonished them to be upright in the discharge of the task ahead of them by leaving above board while adjudicating into
the matters before them.
“ Please, do not disappoint us, do not betray the confidence reposed in you. Above all let me that I wish best of luck” she concluded
