By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
Ahead of the scheduled this Monday Local Government Elections in Bauchi, the State Judiciary has set in motion Elections Petition Tribunals to treat complaints arising from elections maters.
Inaugurating members of the tribunal in Bauchi State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar charged them to discharge their duties with absolute impartiality, independence and fidelity to the law.
She said, “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.
The Chief Judge told 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.
Justice Rabi Talatu Umar further explained that the tribunals members were constituted to adjudicate disputes that may arise from the forth coming local government elections in the state.
Justice Rabi 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.
She reiterated 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.
Rabi Talatu 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.”
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