Politics
Election Petition Tribunals Not For Money -Making, A’ Court President Warns
The President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, has cautioned registrars of the 2023 election petition tribunals against corrupt acts.
Speaking on Monday at a capacity-building workshop for members of the election petition tribunals, at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, Dongban-Mensem urged the registrars not to see the task ahead as “an opportunity to make money to enrich yourselves”.
She added that anyone found guilty of corruption would be sacked by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and prosecuted.
“The court will not hesitate to deal with anyone found wanting in this regard,” she said.
“It is part of your obligation to discharge your duties with utmost good faith and not be carried away by little advances.
“Your integrity and that of the tribunal and its members are in the public spotlight. You must, therefore, ensure you are not used as weapons to truncate the process. Ensure to live above board so that you will not put the judiciary into disrepute.”
According to Dongban-Mensem, the purpose of the training was to draw attention to the challenges involved in adjudicating election matters and to proffer solutions.
She explained that the election tribunals that have been appropriately provided for in the constitution were created in order to address issues arising from the election process.
“They are established for the purposes of determining disputes arising from the conduct of elections into the various elective positions.
“The training will serve as a forum for you to share experiences with one another wherein guidance will be provided and strategies devised for the strengthening of the tribunals”, she said.
The appeal court president highlighted some of the responsibilities of the tribunal registrars to include “receipt of the petition and other court processes for filing, service of court processes timeously on parties, issuance of hearing notices, preparation of court proceedings and orders, custody and safekeeping of the tribunals’ documents, compilation of records.
“It is important for you to familiarise yourselves with the provisions of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the practice direction as it affects your performance at the registry,” she added.
Pursuant to section 285(2) and (3) of the 1999 constitution and section 130 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the President of the Court of Appeal has the power to set up election tribunals.
In November, the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) swore in 307 judicial officers to preside over petitions which will arise from the 2023 general elections.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
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