Plateau State Electoral Petitions Tribunal Commences Sitting, Promises Fairness To All Parties
The Oasis Reporters
April 7, 2019
By Moses Gbande
The 2019 General Elections Petitions Tribunal in Plateau State has commenced hearing on applications brought before it to determine whether or not the Governor of the state Simon Bako Lalong and the National and state Legislators in the state were duly elected during the elections.
At the inaugural seating held at the West of Mines, State High Court, Jos, five applications for the National Assembly, State House of Assembly Election Petitions were taken.
Our Correspondent who was at the tribunal reports that, the first application was that of Mr Sanusi Mohammed Inusa of the UCP challenging the election of Hon Istifanus Gyang for Plateau North senatorial district and that of Jos East, Jos South Federal House of Representatives Hon Pam Dongs Vs Hon Musa Bagos .
Declaring the session open, Chairman of the Election Tribunal, Justice T.N Ezeogwu assured all the petitioners that the Tribunal is made up of men of integrity who can’t compromise their stand because they are well known for their unshakeable character.
He warned all parties against trying to influence the decision of the tribunal for all the panel members are of impeccable character.
“I have taken oath before God and have kept my oath. I also want to say that I am happy to have these members.
‘They are impeccable people of integrity, we have all taken our oath before God and we are here to do substantial justice to all parties.
“Thank God my members are also people who share the same view as I do about the evil of corruption. As you all know the two main religions, Christianity and Islam say that corruption is not good. The two main religions condemn it”.
The chairman quoted Qur’an 30:41, Exodus 28:8 and Deuteronomy 27:27, all verses in the Holy Books that speak on the evil of corruption and further assured that the tribunal will do justice to all the parties involved, saying that he believed that one day he will give account before God.
Responding, the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Hon. Chrisantus Ahmadu assured members of the tribunal of hospitality of the people of Jos.
“I want to assure you that Jos is peaceful but our greatest asset is not just the weather but the people too. They are welcoming, hospitable and embracing. It is only in Jos that every community is represented”.
He said the task before the tribunal Chairman was not an easy one stressing that apart from the quantum of petitions, there was the issue of time frame.
The Attorney-General further admonished litigants of certain unhealthy practices that most not be encouraged.
He prayed that God grants the Chairman and other members the wisdom of King Solomon so that at the end of the day, everybody will be happy that justice has been dispensed.
Others who spoke included the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jos Division, Bon Ngyou and Garba Pwul (SAN) who all prayed that the Almighty grants the Chairman and other members the strength to carry out the enormous task before them and the wisdom to do justice to all parties.
After formally declaring open the tribunal, the Chairman said sittings would be on Mondays to Thursdays. He also said that all, especially lawyers are expected to be seated by 9am everyday.
He emphasized that before they took their oath of allegiance they all vowed not to take any gratification from anyone who would want to bribe their way to justice, “we all placed our religion to serve humanity and be fair to everybody.
According to him, the Tribunal has to do justice to all because the two major religions despise corruption and preach against anyone taking bribe to give justice as a condemnable act. We shall base our judgement on facts and evidence available to the members of the election Tribunal.
Justice TN Ezeogwu formally declared the Tribunal open which he explained further that the tribunal shall now start sitting by 9am to 4pm with a call on the counsels to be in court before the time .
He cautioned that those fond of allowing their phones to ring during the proceedings would be arrested and placed on contempt charges.
The Plateau State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association , Barr. Bon Ngyou asks the bench for direction but promised that their members’ commitment to speedy dispensation of justice was sacrosanct.
He assured the council that the interface with the practitioners would encourage them to partner very well, saying that Plateau state remains the most peaceful place, and there would be no kidnapping or threat to their stay in Jos.
Earlier, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Garba Pwul expressed dissatisfaction with the security situation in some parts of Nigeria where people are getting the impression that the foundation of social Justice was being eroded.
He however stressed that Jos branch has never been mentioned in the issue of offering gratification to the Bar. Adding, those who conducted election didn’t determine the outcome of result in Nigeria but as members of the Bar the tribunal does so to take decision, bring justice to aggrieved parties because everyone who approaches the tribunal thinks he or she is right.
Meanwhile, In a petition filed by petitioner’s counsel, M.A Tsuwa, he told the tribunal that the matter was slated for pre-hearing, answering questions and has filled the pre-hearing session, dated 2nd May, 2019 and also have their statements on oath adopted.
Others matters that came up for pre-hearing sitting was the APC, Pam Dongs challenging the election of Musa Bagos of the PDP, Jos South, Jos East Federal Representative, Jonathan Dabo of the PDP challenging the election of Haruna Maitala, Jos North, Bassa Federal House of Representatives, Koomsul vs Johnbull Shekarau Shendam, Quaanpan Federal Representative.
