CJ Inaugurates LGA Election Petitions Appeal Tribunal

Less than 14 days to Local Government's polls in  Delta State, the state Judiciary has constituted the Election Petition Tribunals and Local Government Council Election Petition Appeal Tribunal to hear and determine petitions that may arise from the January 6 Local Government elections.
   
 While inaugurating the 18 member Election Petition Tribunals and the three Judges who shall sit on appeal in Asaba,  the state Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro challenged the members to deliver judgements strictly based on Law and facts that is devoid of any extraneous considerations.
   
Justice Umukoro who reminded the members of section 130(2) and 130(3) of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2017 urged the 18 member  Election Tribunal to deliver its judgement in writing within the stipulated 180 days period from the date of filing of the petition, while Appeal Tribunal shall do same within 90 days from the date of delivery of judgement of the Tribunal.
   
The Chief Judge emphasized that their appointment was the result of their antecedents anchored on hard work, honesty and diligence, emphasising that they should not perform below expectations as Deltans,  particularly petitioners and respondents, were looking up to them to deliver judgements according to evidence and Law placed before them.
   
 He enjoined members to remain focus and not to be distracted by acts of blackmailers, rumour mongers, and hate speech merchants and a section of social media who review evidence and deliver judgement in consonance with the figments of their imagination. He warned that appropriate disciplinary measures and sanctions shall be imposed on any member who breached the subscribed oath of office in the face of verified complaints and petitions.
   
 Responding on behalf of members of the Tribunals, Justice D. C Maidoh thanked the Chief Judge for deeming them fit for the onerous task. He promised to justify the confidence reposed in them and to handle petitions brought before them on the merit irrespective of the parties involved.

     Tim Agbaragu.
     HOD, Protocol/PRO Dept.,
     High Court of Justice,
     Asaba