NEWISSUES
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Chief Judge of Sokoto State High Court, Justice Mohammed Saidu Sifawa Wednesday inaugurated the 2024 State Election Petition Tribunal to adjudicate any matter that may arise from the just concluded local government election.
Addressing the 9 member panel, with 3 for each of the Senatorial Districts of the State, Justice Sifawa maintained that they are persons of proven integrities hence being carefully handpicked for the special assignment.
According to Sifawa, the State Chief Judge, bringing them on board as members of such an important panel is not only a testament to their professionalism but honesty as well.
“”I therefore urge you to uphold that trust. Shy away from any form
of compromise or partiality, as your assignment is not only for Sokoto state government alone but for the entire nation.
“”And remember that this as will put your conscious to test before the global community. I therefore urge you to do your best as by the virtues of the oath you have all taken today, you and now empowered to adjudicate on the local government elections.
“”Be careful and deal with matters brought before you with speed and confidence as the tribunal time bond””. Justice Sifawa appealed.
When asked on why the constitution of such a panel was important, the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Mohammed Nasir Binji said it was in compliance with the provisions of the Sokoto State Local Government law, 2024 which stipulated that an election petition tribunal be constituted for each of the 3 Senatorial Districts in the State.
On her part, Sokoto State High Court Chief Registrar, Mariya Haruna Dogon Daji reiterated that the tribunal as inaugurated has 3 months to entertain and adjudicate on whatever petitions brought before it.
Members of the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal for Sokoto North Senatorial District include, Mohammed Marafa as chairman, while Abubakar Moyi and Abubakar Ladan Isa are to serve as members.
That of Sokoto South Senatorial District has Mohammed Bello Nura as chairman with both Zulai Bello and Kabiru Umar Marnona as members.
Sokoto East Senatorial District has Junaidu Altine as chairman to be supported by Shamsiyya Mohammed and Manir Abdullahi as members respectively.
It will w recalled that the Sokoto State Independent Election Commission (SOSIEC) conducted election for local government chairmen and councillors for all the 23 local government areas on 22 of September, 2024 with the All Progressive Congress (APC) wining all positions.
