CJN Mohammed inaugurates election petition tribunals

Mahmoud Mohammed, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has inaugurated the 2015 election petition tribunals across the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory.

Mohammed advised the judicial officers not to compromise their intergrity, warning that anyone found wanting in the cause of his duties would be dealt with, in accordance with the law.

He urged them to ensure that justice is done to any case brought before them.

“Let me use this opportunity to sound a note of warning to all judicial officers. Do not allow any political party or politicians to compromise your integrity or your future,” Mahmoud said on Tuesday during the inauguration at the supreme court.

“We must never again be used as tools to truncate our nation’s democracy. The NJC (National Judicial Council’s) will definitely not spare the rod in ensuring that the honour, respect and independence of the judiciary is protected.”

Mahmoud said that the tribunal assignment was very laborious and urged them to remain focused in the discharge of their duties, adding that praises and condemnations would be meted out to them.

“I need not to remind you that the tribunal is very laborious and that you are likely to be overstretched in the handling of election matters,” he said.

“Praises and condemnations will be meted out to you in the cause of discharging your duties. Unfortunately, some of the condemnations will come from our partners in the temple of justice – the NBA.

“I urge you not to be deterred by the uncomplimentary comments of some politicians and litigants anytime judgment is given against them.”

He observed that Section 134 of the electoral act 2010, as amended, says all petitions must be filed within 21 days of the declaration of result of an election and also reminded them that Section 285 of the amended 1999 Constitution and Section 134 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 provide that election petitions must be heard and judgments delivered within 180 days.

The tribunal comprises 242 justices of the appellate court, the high courts and chief magistrates courts.