Justice Nuhu S. Adi Heads Ondo Election Petition Tribunal

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

The Ondo State National and State Legislative Houses Election Petitions Tribunal has commenced sitting at the state high court, Akure.

In his inaugural speech, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Nuhu S. Adi reminded stakeholders that election petitions are not only sui generis in nature but also very sensitive and delicate to handle.

While cautioning stakeholders as adjucators, he said, it requires skill, professionalism.

His words, “On this note, our watchword is efficiency, transparency and attainment of justice through the hallmarks of electoral dispute resolution.

He therefore solicited for the maximum cooperation that are involved in the exercise particularly, the legal representatives of the parties in all the petitions.

Justice Adi however enjoined all parties involved to be ready to work within the mandatory period stipulated by the law.

He assured that the panel shall remain in absolute and firm control of the court until the exercise is over.

He sounded a note of warning that the tribunal shall not condole or allow frivolous applications calculated to draw back the proceedings adding that unnecessary application for adjournment of a matter would not be entertained as undue delay would portray the tribunal as unserious.

Cases slated to be treated within the period of 180 days are, Mega Party Vs Boroffice, APC, INEC. Omoladowa Smart Adeniyi APC Vs Akingbaso Festus, PDP, INEC. Abayomi Akinfemiwa PDP (Ileoluji) Vs Akinfolarin Mayowa.

Ojogo Donald, APC Vs Akinjo Kolade PDP Ilaje. Oladapo Abiola, PDP Vs Williams Aderinle Ademola, APC, INEC Ondo West State Constituency. Albert Akintoye, APC Vs Ikengbolu Gbenga, PDP, INEC. Falana Tajudeen (AA) Vs Felemu Bankole Olusegun (APC) Akoko Southwest 2.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the inauguration, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kola Olawoye while expressing the sensitivity of the legal battle assured of the cooperation of the state government to make the assignment a success.

“They should expect our maximum cooperation as long as tribunal lasted”, Olawoye added.