The president, Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has raised the alarm that money to prosecute the 2023 general election petition tribunals was yet to be released.
Speaking at an event to mark the beginning of the 2022/2023 legal year of the appellate court, the judge warned of the implication of the delay saying it interfere with the establishment of tribunals that will hear cases arising from the polls.
She said the existing tribunals had taken a chunk of the court’s scare resource ad appealed to the relevant authorities to act fast.
“It is pertinent to state that adequate preparation requires adequate funding,” she said.
“The essential ingredient for the tribunals to function effectively to maximum capacity is the provision of the much-needed funding to provide adequate facilities for the tribunals across the nation.
“The fund to prosecute the 2023 general election petition tribunals has still not been released. This is becoming worrisome as it may impede plans to constitute the various tribunals and courts.
“The process of training of justices, tribunal judges and registry staff is also on hold pending the release of funds.
“The existing tribunals have taken up a whole chunk of the very limited resources of the court. We appeal to the relevant authorities to ensure that the funds for running of the tribunals are released urgently,” she said.
However, she disclosed that she had received nominations for judicial officers who will preside over the tribunals from several heads of court throughout the federation.
“Also, nominations of staff who will man the registries of the tribunals have been received from the various divisions of the court. The election judicial proceedings practice directions 2022 have been reviewed and signed. It will serve as a guide to all stakeholders in providing an improved and efficient electoral adjudicatory process.
“The usual dispute in each electoral circle had impelled the court to review the judicial electoral manual in order to bring it in line with the Electoral Act, 2022.
“A 13-member judicial electoral manual committee was inaugurated on May 18, 2022, to conduct this review. With this manual, judges and justices will be greatly aided in the discharge of their duties towards ensuring a smooth running of tribunals,” she said.
