Skip to main content

Tribunal warns parties not to attempt to influence panel



The Taraba Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Monday warned parties not to attempt to influence members of the panel.


The chairman of the tribunal, Justice M.O. Adewara, gave the warning in his inaugural speech.



The tribunal, relocated from Jalingo to Abuja.
“The Warning becomes imperative because the tribunal’s decisions will be based solely on the evidence before it and the applicable law.




“Any attempts to influence either the tribunal or its members would not only be resisted but also be exposed.
“Our decisions shall be based solely on the evidence led before us and the applicable law.



“You need not attempt to influence the tribunal or its members as any such attempt will not only be resisted but same will be exposed,” Justice Adewara warned.



The chairman submitted that election petition matters were sui generis and as such time bound.
He noted that by the provisions of Section 285(6) of the 1999 Constitution an election tribunal shall deliver its judgment within 180 days from the date of filing of the petition.



While soliciting the cooperation of counsel appearing before it with a view to discharging its duties creditably and effectively, the chairman stated that the only petition before it had entered the second month of its lifespan.



He stated: “We have it on record that the petition before this tribunal was filed on 29th March, 2019 meaning that we are already almost at the end of 2nd month of the six months period prescribed for hearing and determination of the petition.



“This being the case, it behoves on us all to cooperate and work very hard to enable us meet the deadline.”
He urged counsel to punctual in court as well as being brief and clear in the presentation of their respective cases as provided by the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).



Justice Adewara also declared that the tribunal would not tolerate frivolous and unwarranted applications for adjournment, assuring that the tribunal members would abide by the oaths of office to which they had subscribed.
He said: “we will abide by the oaths of office to which we have subscribed and do justice to all without fear, or favour, affection or ill will.”



NAN reports that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress  in the March 9 governorship election in Taraba State, Abubakar Sani Danladi and the party had approached the tribunal to challenge the victory of Governor Darius Ishaku of the People’s Democratic Party.



The petitioners claimed that the governor’s was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast in the election.
They further claimed that the governor’s election was invalid by reason of non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).



The petitioners also claimed that Ishaku’s election was invalid by reasons of corrupt practices.
Joined as respondents in the petition, are the Independent National Electoral Commission, PDP and Governor Ishaku.
Meanwhile, the tribunal has adjourned its sitting till June 10 for hearing of respondents applications.


THE EAGLE 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Taraba State University Joins ASUU Ultimatum to 21 Universities Over 2025 Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU) chapter, has joined 20 other state-owned universities placed on a 14-day ultimatum over the alleged non-implementation of key provisions of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement. The ultimatum was issued following resolutions reached at ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja, where the union expressed concern over what it described as the “haphazard implementation” of the agreement. ASUU warned that the affected universities could face industrial action if the outstanding issues are not resolved within the 14-day window. The union authorised the affected branches to begin formal processes for strike action should their respective university authorities fail to address the issues. Taraba State University, Jalingo, was specifically listed among the 21 universities affected by the directive. Other institutions on the list include Nasarawa State Universit...
Post a Comment
Read more

Truck Drivers Block Jalingo–Zing–Yola Road Following Dispute at NDLEA Checkpoint

Taraba Facts Truck drivers have reportedly blocked the Jalingo–Zing–Yola road following a disagreement with a soldier at an NDLEA checkpoint last night. The incident has disrupted movement along the major highway, leaving motorists and other road users stranded. As of Thursday morning, the road remains blocked, with the situation reportedly affecting the free movement of vehicles along the route. The circumstances surrounding the disagreement between the truck drivers and the security personnel remain unclear. Residents and road users are calling on relevant authorities to urgently intervene, investigate the incident and resolve the dispute to restore normal traffic. Authorities are also urged to ensure that the matter is properly addressed and that the safety and movement of commuters along the busy route are not further compromised.
Post a Comment
Read more

Taraba Begins ₦5,000 Deduction for Teachers’ Permanent Identity Cards

The Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (TSUBEB) has initiated a ₦5,000 deduction from teachers as part of arrangements for the production of Permanent Identity Cards for teachers across the state. According to UBEC, the identity cards are expected to strengthen staff records, improve security and enhance administrative efficiency in the management of teachers across Taraba State. UBEC further said the Permanent Identity Card project is also expected to assist the state government in developing an accurate and verifiable database of teachers. Such a database will provide Governor Agbu Kefas with reliable information on personnel within the basic education system and support more effective planning, monitoring and personnel management. The initiative is therefore expected to strengthen security measures, improve staff verification and provide a more efficient system for managing personnel across Taraba State’s basic education sector.
Post a Comment
Read more