The Bauchi State Chief Judge, 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, while inaugurating the tribunals at the Bauchi State High Court premises, charged the members to discharge their duties with absolute impartiality, independence and strict adherence to the law.
She said the appointments were based on the appointees’ competence, integrity and commitment to the administration of justice, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
The Chief Judge said the Local Government Election Tribunals were constituted to adjudicate disputes that might arise from the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
She urged members to discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour, affection or ill will, stressing that all political parties must be treated equally regardless of their political affiliation, status, background or position in society.
Umar emphasised that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, warning the tribunal members against yielding to pressure, influence or interference.
She urged them to determine every case strictly on the basis of the evidence presented before them and the applicable laws.
The Chief Judge described the judiciary as a critical pillar of democracy, noting that public confidence in the electoral process depended 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 approach their respective assignments with diligence, fairness and professionalism.
DAILY POST reports that 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.