Bauchi CJ Inaugurates Election Petition Tribunals, Charges Members on Impartiality

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

Bauchi State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar has charged members of the State Local Government Election Tribunals, Appeal Tribunals, and Right of Way Mobile Court to discharge their duties with absolute impartiality, independence and fidelity to the law.

Justice Rabi Umar gave the charge Wednesday while inaugurating members of the tribunal held at the High Court premises, Bauchi.

“I hereby formally inaugurate the Local Government Election Tribunals and the Appeal Tribunal of Bauchi state, Family Court 1 at the Magistrate level, and the Right of Way Mobile Court, and wish all members a successful tenure,” she said.

While congratulating the new appointees, the Chief Judge told them that the tribunal members that their appointments is in recognition of their competence, integrity and commitment to the administration of justice, while reminding them that the responsibility entrusted in them is a solemn one.

The Chief Judge told the tribunals that they were constituted to adjudicate disputes that may arise from the forth coming local government elections in the state.

Justice Rabi Umar also charged them to discharge their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, and to treat all political parties equally irrespective of their political affiliation, status, background or position in the society.

Justice Rabi while reiterating that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done, urged the tribunal and court members to resist every form of pressure, influence or interference, and ensure that every matter brought before them is determine strictly on the basis of evidence presented and applicable law.

She stressed that Judiciary remains a critical pillar of democracy, and the confidence of the public in the electoral process depends, to a significant extent, on the ability of the courts and tribunals to resolve disputes impartially and according to law.

The Chief Judge added, “I equally urge members of the Family Court and the Right of Way Mobile Court to approach your respective assignments with the same level of diligence, fairness, and professionalism.

Our Correspondent reports that the Bauchi South tribunal and special Court will be at the Premises of the state high court Bauçhi, Bauchi North at the high court premises Azare while Magistrate court premises Ningi is for Central zone tribunal and special Court.