Bauchi CJ inaugurates election petition, others

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

Rabi Talatu Umar 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.”

While congratulating the new appointees, the Chief Judge told the tribunal members that their appointments were in recognition of their competence, integrity and commitment to the administration of justice.

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She also used the medium to remind them that the responsibility entrusted to them was a solemn one.

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

Rabi Talatu 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.

The CJ, 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 determined strictly on the basis of evidence presented and applicable law.

She stressed that the 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.”

The Bauchi South Tribunal and Special Court will be at the Premises of the State High Court, Bauchi; Bauchi North at the High Court premises in Azare, while the Magistrate Court premises in Ningi are for the Central Zone Tribunal and Special Court.