The Governorship, National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal in Katsina State says it will not entertain any form of delay tactics by counsel during its sitting.
The Tribunal was constituted by the President of the Court of Appeal, Zainab Bulckachuwa , to handle petitions arising from the elections of Feb. 23 and March 9.
Justice Hadiza Ali-Jos, the Tribunal Chairperson, who gave the warning during the inaugural sitting of the panel on Monday in Katsina, 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.
READ ALSO: When Dickson says no to pension for lawmakers
“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 any thing bad is said about the Judiciary as stakeholders, counsel are also affected.
In his remarks, counsel to Gov. Aminu Masari, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, assured that all counsel to parties will support the tribunal to discharged it duties quickly.
In his comment, counsel to the PDP Governorship candidate, Sen. Lado Danmarke, Mr Patrick Okolo, SAN, pledged his support while urging the panel to abide by the rule of law.
NAN reports that the tribunal has received two petitions.
One of the petitions is that of the PDP challenging the election of Gov. Masari of the APC.
NAN reports that 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)