Chairman of National Assembly and state House of Assembly election tribunal, Justice Abdulkadir Suleiman, Thursday, warned litigants that the tribunal will entertain unnecessary delay
Inaugurating the tribunal in Kaduna, Justice Suleiman said “For the avoidance of doubt, the Tribunal will not entertain unnecessary delay as the petitions will be treated with utmost urgency and dispatch.
“Lawyers appearing for parties are further reminded to avoid the request for unnecessary adjournment,” he added.
Suleiman further warned the litigants to avoid “behind the door communication” with members of the tribunal and their support staff,” saying “all communications must be open.”
He said members of the Tribunal would strive to ensure that justice was not only done but is seen to be done.
“It is not in doubt that this Tribunal is a product of the Supreme Law of the country, otherwise called the grundnorm, i.e. 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“On our part as Judicial Officers, we are under an oath to dispense justice without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. The Tribunal will afford parties adequate and equal opportunity within the ambit of the law to present their cases to the best of their ability for adjudication.
“Let it be stressed at this juncture that parties and counsel are forewarned to desist from engaging in any untoward act that may stifle the administration of justice. In this regard, any attempt to influence the Tribunal, in any way or mode, should be totally avoided as such attempt shall be severely dealt with according to the law.
“We must equally emphasize that this Tribunal shall have zero tolerance for corruption. There should be no behind the door communication by the litigants and/or their Counsel with the Chairman, members and/or support staff of the Tribunal for any reason whatsoever.
“All communications should be in the open court. This is in our bid to see that justice is not only done, but also seen to be done.
“Importantly also, the Tribunal expects much from the legal practitioners that may appear before it to prosecute or defend their respective petitions. That is to say, Counsel should endeavour to maintain high standard of professional conduct and etiquette.”
