AHEAD of the Delta State local government elections, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Tessy Diai, has inaugurated Local Government Election Petition Tribunals as required by law.
Those sworn-in include; six chairmen and 12 members to handle any matter arising from the forthcoming council polls. The inauguration took place at the CJ’s Conference Hall, in Asaba.
Members of the Tribunal, according to the Chief Judge,were selected from the magistrate, various branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the judiciary in Delta State, adding that they are to serve as chairmen and members of the sixth election petition tribunals, in the three Senatorial districts of the state.
While administering the oath on them, the Chief Judge charged them to be upright in their duties and eliminate party affiliations that could becloud their sense of fair judgement.
According to her, “as we are aware, elections attract a great number of petitions and complaints, it is for this reason, one has to be careful in selecting those who will serve in these tribunals”.
“I know some of you from your appearances when you come before me and others in trial cases. For those who are in practice, it was a deliberate choice because, I believe that at least as practicing members, you will be able to guide other members with what they are not familiar with”.
She said, “I try as much as possible to eliminate those with visible party affiliations, I know, everyone has friends or family members, but I must warn that this is not a situation where favours will be done for friends or relatives”.
“Where there is a reason for you to believe that your relationship with the party before you will becloud your judgement, be bold enough to admit it and caution yourself or better still, cause the matter to be transferred from your panel to the second panel”, she added.
While admonishing them to be fair, polite and firm, His Lordship opined, “in your adjudication of the petitions before you, there is need to be firm in adhering to the law, there is need to be polite to those who will appear as counsels. There should be no need for descending on the arena or for exchange of words with counsels, you must exhibit conduct expected of adjudicating officers”.
“I implore you all to justify the confidence reposed in you by all of us, especially those in whose recommendations you are here. It is my prayer that things will go well”.
“If there is any reason you know you cannot serve, if it’s not too late to tell me, so that we replace such a member”, she said.
In response, chairman of Panel 1 tribunal, Delta North, Mrs. Monye thanked the Chief Judge on behalf of others for deeming them fit to serve in various capacities. While conveying their heartfelt gratitude, she assured that they would dispense justice without fear but with equity and fairness.
