Judiciary

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi has inaugurated three panels for local government election petition tribunal.

The Chief Judge during the inauguration on Thursday, said by that proposal, backed by the Kogi State Local Government Election Law of 2004, it is required that disputes that may arise from the conduct of the election be adjudicated upon.

“So, pursuant to section 70(1)(2) and (3) Of that law, and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), we have constituted three panels of a three-man each to address issues that may emanate from the three senatorial districts of the state with the mandate to clinically examine and resolve all matters arising from the conduct of the election.

“Members of the three panels we are inaugurating are, Jubril Oladimeji Ibrahim — Chairman, Josephine Ajagun — Member and Obani Friday Ofakaga — Member

“While the third panel are Agatha Ahuoiza Shankyula — Chairman, Nathson Akoji Idakwoji Member, and Abbas Yunusa Mohammed — Member.

“Members are those we have found trustworthy and whose track records depict diligence in handling responsibilities placed on them in the past. We have no doubt that the combination of their capacity and impeccable characters would be brought to bear on this call having been notably averse to compromise.

“Therefore, as members of the tribunal, cognizance must be taken of the confidence reposed in you that informed your choice as Chairmen and members of these panels.

“You are the state’s mirror of transparency and fairness in this assignment. You should be courageous, disciplined and fearless in your approach to the task before you. You must eschew sentiments and not favor any party but dispense justice fairly with the determination to conduct your affairs within the provisions of the Electoral Act, the Constitution, Practice Directions and other relevant laws and judicial decisions.

“You must not only uphold judiciary integrity but protect it jealously in such manners that access to justice is not only seen to be done but felt by all parties before you. You must do justice to the cases brought before you with all honesty.

“As intermediaries between the panels and clients, the Bar, judiciary’s partner in the temple of justice, will be glaringly carrying the cross of many of the litigants who seek their representation.

He noted that as a counsel they are not to be weighed by this carriage to the extent of compromising professional ethics and decorum before the tribunal.

“You should rather see yourself as the vehicle through which grieve is expressed and possible redress secured and nothing more than that,” he said.Read More »Kogi Council Polls: CJ Inaugirates Committee for Tribunal