The president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab
Bulkachuwa said on Wednesday that more that 250 judges handling election
petition cases across the country were being monitored closely.
Speaking at the induction programme for justices of the Court of Appeal, chairmen and members of the election petitions tribunals in Abuja, Bulkachuwa said the court will not hesitate to deal decisively with any chairman or member of the election petitions tribunal found wanting in the discharge of their duties.
She said judiciary plays a crucial role in sustaining the nation’s democracy hence the judges should be thorough and professional in deciding election issues brought before them.
She warned the judges against granting frivolous and unnecessary adjournments, adding that her office would pay close attention to the proceedings of the various tribunals.
“I need not remind you that the assignment ahead of you is enormous and due diligence and professionalism is expected from each and every one of you.
“The judiciary is in the limelight and as judicial officers, we should discharge the responsibilities proposed on us both individually and collectively by dispensing justice in accordance with the law without fear or favour, affection or ill-will within the dictates of our conscience and oath of office.
“Like I have said before, each and every one of you will be monitored by my office and I will not hesitate to descend on any judge found wanting in the discharge of his or her duties.
“The Judiciary has been a major role player in the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria by adjudicating in all cases that arise from pre-election as well as post-election activities.
“By the end of this week, we will all be in our various states for the tribunals and the appeals that will follow suit by the aggrieved parties.
“I need not remind you that the assignment ahead of you is enormous and due diligence and professionalism is expected from each and every one of you.
“Always be law abiding and do not allow yourselves to be stirred by emotions, fear or sentiments. You are expected to be in charge of your courts.
“The judiciary is in the lime light and as judicial officers we should discharge the responsibilities reposed on us both individually and collectively by dispensing justice in accordance with the law without fear or favour, affection or ill-will within the dictates of our conscience and oath of office.
“Let me remind you that in an Election Petition Tribunal time is of the essence, I therefore urge you to desist from granting frivolous adjournments and also discourage the practice of employing undue technicalities or any act capable of causing delay in the dispensation of petitions before you.
“Like I have said before, each and every one of you will be closely monitored by my office and I will not hesitate to descend on any Judge found wanting in the discharge of his or her duties.
“By the end of this induction training, you will all be abreast with what is expected of you and I am sure by the time you resume your duty posts you will be ready to carry out the task assiduously.
“Feel free to interact with your colleagues in areas that are unclear to you especially those of you that are coming to tribunals for the first time. Forums like these are meant for discussions and exchange of ideas so that by the end of the day we would have tapped from each other’s knowledge and experience, and we will be wiser and better equipped to meet the tasks ahead of us,” she said.
