1st June, 2011
The Election Petition Tribunal that will hear all cases concerning the April general elections was inaugurated at the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, this morning.
The three man-tribunal is chaired by Justice Maurice Eneji, while Justice Ahmad Abassa and Justice Musar Bassar are members. Mr. Nwana Ejike is to serve as secretary.
In his inaugural speech, the chairman said all cases would be decided within 180 days.
The tribunal would sit from Monday to Friday. However, the tribunal may sit on weekends if there is need for it.
So far, 15 cases have been filed and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has been ordered to make available all necessary materials and documents the petitioners would need to prosecute their cases.
INEC is yet to comply. Consequently, the tribunal has extended the order by 10 days.
Mr. Wale Olanipekun, SAN, who spoke on behalf of the lawyers urged the tribunal to ensure justice to all the parties that come before it.
As at the time of filing this report, the tribunal had retired into the chamber for pre-trial conference.
—Akin Kuponiyi