The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, on Friday, performed the swearing in of the five-man local government election petition tribunal with a charge to the panel of judges to perform their duty without fair or favour.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony at the Chief Judge court, Justice Alogba stated the inauguration of the tribunal will enable the disatified candidates at the local government elections conducted recently find succour in the justice system.
He urged the judges who were administered the judicial oaths as well as the oath of secrecy to be up and doing and live above board in performance of their duties.
The local government elections were conducted on July 24 across Lagos State.
According to the Chief Judge, two tribunals would be sitting at Ikeja and Central Business District at Alausa, Ikeja.
“Appeal has started coming in. That is why we are setting up this tribunal. Honourable Justice Morenike Olasunmbo Obadina will chair the tribunal.
“Other members are
Honourable Justice Beatrice Adesuwa Oke-Lawal, Honourable Justice Olubunmi Olutoyin Fadipe, Honourable Justice Wasiu Animahun and Honourable Justice Abisoye Bashua”.
About the judges, the CJ said, “I have carefully thought about the antecedents of all the judges we are putting forth today.
“I am deeply satisfied with their integrity, hard work, impartiality and honour concerning justice delivery.
“It is a task you are called upon to do for the sake of integrity. The judiciary is not a money-making arm of the government.
“The task you are asked to perform is to further cement the relationship with the citizens of the state. Those who have gone to election tribunal and those who are dissatisfied with the decision of the appeal.”
The Chief Justice reiterated that the tribunal would be the last hope of citizens who are dissatisfied with the results of the local government elections.”
Responding, Chairman of the Lagos State Local Government Elections Appeal Tribunal, Justice Obadina expressed gratitude on behalf of members of the tribunal.
Her words, “On behalf of the members of the tribunal for appeal cases of the local government election, we pledge to do all within our power to work exceediously before the tribunal, work within the time frame as mandated by law.
“I want to assure my lord, the Chief judge, and the good people of Lagos State that the will of Lagos residents will be fulfilled,” she said.
Obadina expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to her and the other judges to serve on the tribunal.
According to her, “I want to pledge that I am going to do all that is within our power to work expeditiously on all the cases that will come before the tribunal and work within the time-frame, as mandated by law.”
