The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has inaugurated members of the state’s Local Government Election Tribunals, Appeal Tribunal, Family Court I and Right of Way Mobile Court.
Umar inaugurated the judicial panels at the Bauchi State High Court premises, charging the members to carry out their responsibilities with impartiality, independence and strict adherence to the law.
She said the appointments were based on the competence, integrity and commitment of the appointees to the administration of justice, urging them to justify the confidence placed in them.
According to the Chief Judge, the Local Government Election Tribunals were established to handle disputes that may arise from the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
Umar urged members of the tribunals to perform their duties without fear, favour, affection or ill will, stressing that all political parties must be treated equally irrespective of their political affiliations, status, background or position in society.
She emphasised that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
The Chief Judge also warned tribunal members against succumbing to pressure, influence or interference from any individual or group.
She urged them to determine cases strictly on the basis of the evidence presented before them and the relevant laws.
Umar described the judiciary as a vital pillar of democracy, noting that public confidence in the electoral process depends largely on the ability of courts and tribunals to resolve disputes fairly and in accordance with the law.
She also charged members of the Family Court and Right of Way Mobile Court to carry out their respective duties with diligence, fairness and professionalism.
The Bauchi South Tribunal and Special Court will sit at the State High Court premises in Bauchi, while the Bauchi North Tribunal and Special Court will operate from the High Court premises in Azare.
The Magistrates’ Court premises in Ningi will serve as the venue for the Central Zone Tribunal and Special Court.
BACKSTORY:
The inauguration comes ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Bauchi State, with the judiciary preparing to handle possible disputes arising from the electoral process.
Local government election tribunals are responsible for hearing and determining petitions challenging the conduct or outcome of local government elections.
Justice Rabi Talatu Umar urged members of the newly inaugurated panels to maintain neutrality and ensure that all parties appearing before them receive equal treatment.
She stressed that the credibility of the electoral process depends not only on the conduct of elections but also on the ability of judicial institutions to resolve disputes fairly and independently.
The Chief Judge also inaugurated members of the Appeal Tribunal, Family Court I and Right of Way Mobile Court as part of efforts to strengthen the administration of justice across the state.
