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CJN Laments Burden Of Hearing Governorship Election Cases
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, yesterday, lamented the burden the Justices of the Supreme Court have to grapple with to hear the appeals arising from the 2019 governorship elections and deliver judgments within time.
Earlier on Monday, the apex court had to cut short ongoing proceedings and adjourn 13 appeals scheduled for hearing till Tuesday, due to the sudden illness developed by one of the members of its seven-man panel.
The CJN led the seven-man panel of the apex court scheduled to hear 13 appeals connected with the governorship election disputes from six states.
He expressed worry over the need for the court to meet imminent deadlines, some as near as three days’ time.
“On this list, there are 13 appeals on hear today,” he said, adding, “it is unrealistic, I must be sincere.”
Urging lawyers to speak for the judges in finding a solution to the caseload of the apex court, he said, “When you find yourself in positions of authority, please do something.”
The Constitution makes it mandatory for the Supreme Court to deliver its judgment on an appeal arising from an election dispute within 60 days of Court of Appeal’s verdict being appealed against.
While the election petition tribunal has 180 days to deliver its judgment from the time of filing an election petition, the Court of Appeal has 90 days to deliver its verdict on the appeal from the time of the tribunal’s judgment.
The CJN said despite the odds, the Supreme Court would deliver its judgments on all election-related cases within the 60 days stipulated by law.
“I am 100 percent sure that the Supreme Court has never failed to deliver its judgments before the expiration of time,” Justice Muhammad said.
He also said the court would be “realistic, in order to save the situation.”
He, therefore, directed that only the appeals that would be expiring on January 17 would be entertained yesterday.
The rest that would be expiring on January 20 and beyond were adjourned.
Earlier yesterday, the court heard the case on the Kano State governorship election dispute and fixed January 20 for judgment.
The ones to be heard yesterday relate to the disputes on Imo and Sokoto states governorship elections.
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
