Tribunal in Katsina warns counsel against delay tactics

The Governorship, National and state Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Katsina state has warned that it would not entertain any form of delay tactics by counsels during its sitting.

The tribunal chairperson, Justice Hadiza Ali-Jos, who gave the warning during the inaugural sitting of the panel Monday said: “the strategies of delaying proceedings will not work. We are expected to deliver judgment on each petition within 180 days from the day of filing of the petition.

“We wish to categorically state that no unnecessary delaying strategy will be accommodated by this tribunal. We are calling on counsel as stakeholders to ensure that justice is done rather than win their case at all cost.

“We cannot afford to sideline Justice for our personal interest. If anything bad is our personals interest. If anything bad is said about the Judiciary as stakeholders, counsel, are also affected.”

Counsel to Governor Aminu Masari, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, assured that all counsels to parties would support the tribunal to discharge it duties quickly.

Also, counsel to the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Lado Danmarke, Mr Patrick Okolo, SAN, pledged his support while urging the panel to abide by the rule of law.

The tribunal received only two petitions one of which was that from the PDP challenging the victory of Governor Masari of the APC in the March 9 governorship election.

The other is that of the PDP and its candidate, Aminu Abashe, challenging the election of Ghali Garba of APC as the lawmaker representing Kusada Constituency at the state assembly. (NAN)

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