By Shuaibu Usman
Nasarawa State Chief Judge, Justice Aisha Bashir Aliyu, today, swore in 12 members of the Nasarawa State Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal and Appeals to preside over petitions that may arise from the 2024 local government polls to hold on November 2.
The swearing in was pursuant to the powers conferred on the Honourable Chief Judge by 31 sub-section(1) and (4) of the Nasarawa State Local Government Election Law 2018.
Swearing in the chairmen and members of the tribunals and appeals, Justice Aliyu urged the judicial officers to rise above recklessness in carrying out their constitutionally guaranteed duties.
Justice Aliyu tasked them to be fair, disciplined by exhibiting high sense of integrity, incorruptibility and ensuring that they strive hard to uphold justice.
She asked them to build a foundation for themselves by demonstrating wisdom as they carefully consider the petitions that will be presented before them, enjoining the judicial officers not to turn evidences against parties.
The Nasarawa Chief Judge insisted that corruption has been a bane in the Nigerian judiciary, maintaining that by their footprints of experience and ethical values, they must demonstrate competence as judgement should not be for the highest bidders.
She urged them to resist temptations, intimidations, sentiments and uncomplimentary causes.
Responding on behalf of the other members sworn in, Justice Mustapha Ramat, assured living above board and to submit to the sanctity of the rule of law in the discharge of their judicial functions.
He promised to ensure that the confidence reposed in them was not betrayed.
The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) slated Saturday, 2nd November for the conduct of the local government polls in the state as political parties and stakeholders continue to demonstrate their popularity in the electoral process.