Plateau CJ Charges Trial & Appeal Tribunal On LGs Election Petition To Exhibit Fairness And Justice In Discharging Tasks

Yakubu Busari

The Chief Judge (CJ) of Plateau State and the Chairman of the Plateau State Judicial Service Commission, His Lordship Honourable Justice David Gwong Mann has tasked the newly sworn-in Chairmen and members of the Plateau State Local Government Election Petition Trial Tribunal and the Plateau State Local Government Election Petition Appeal Tribunals to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, justice, honesty and integrity.

Honourable Justice David Gwong Mann made this disclosure while swearing in of the two tribunals and  oath  taking ceremony at High Court No1 and the oath of allegiance after signing of the appointment letters of the members of the Tribunals.

Members of the Plateau State Local Government Election Petition Trial Tribunal are (1) His Worship Zakka Dung-Chairman,(2) Barr Akila Kasham,Member and Barr Solomon Maren,Member.

Members of the Plateau State Local Government Election Petition Appeal Tribunal are(1) Hon Justice Nanpon James Dadi-Chairman,(2) Barr Nankwat Kwotbok,Member and Barr Solomon Gyang Deme,Member.

In his remarks after the inaugural ceremony,the Chief Judge of Plateau State, His Lordship Honourable Justice David Gwong Mann said “today marks a significant moment in our democratic process as the Chairmen and members of the Trial and Appeal Plateau State Local Government Election Petition Tribunals.

As Chief Judge it is both an honour and solemn duty to perform this duty. The role you are carrying out is of profound importance. It is important that our election process is transparent, honest, fair and full of integrity”.

Justice Mann further hinted that the panelists are entrusted with the critical task of dispensing justice fairly without let or hindrance.

The Chief Judge of Plateau State also directed the Trial and Appeal Tribunals to work assiduously to earn the trust of the people of Plateau State so that the electoral process can bring hope to the hopeless and by so doing your actions will shape our democracy as fair and just to the admiration of the global community.

Honourable Justice Mann concluded that with the Local Government autonomy, the tribunal judges must approach their duty with due diligence, utmost responsibility, fairness, justice, honesty and integrity to build the confidence of the electorates and politicians in the legal system.

In his vote of thanks, Honourable Justice Nanpon James Dadi,the Chairman of the Plateau State Local Government Election Petition Appeal Tribunal on behalf of all the appointees and members of tribunals said they are appreciative of God’s presence in their midst and his faithfulness which endureth forever.

Honourable Justice Nanpon James Dadi thanked the Chief Judge for the opportunity to serve and the confidence reposed on them.

Dadi said that though the task is daunting, it is not unsurmountable.

The Chairman of the Appeal Tribunal said with God, they will summon the courage and determination to perform fairly.He said that they undertake before God and man to serve justice and only justice.

Honourable Justice Dadi, however, solicited the support and prayers of the Plateau State Chief Judge and the people of the state in the discharge of their duty to the will of God because they will impress God who is justice.

Honourable Justice Dadi thanked the Chief Judge and the people of Plateau State for seeing them worthy amidst millions to be so appointed as we are not better than others but because the Chief Judge believes that our choices is of the desire that justice is done. He prayed that God should guide the Chief Judge and the tribunals in the discharge of their duties.