Election Tribunal Begins Sitting In Ondo

The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ondo has commenced hearing in petitions filed before it over the outcome of the February 25 National Assembly and March 18 House of Assembly elections.

Speaking at its inaugural sitting, chairman of the three-man tribunal, Justice Rose Soji, warned petitioners and their lawyers not to make any attempt to hold private meeting with them.

Justice Soji said such a meeting would not be tolerated under any guise.

Other members of the panel are Justice Aliyu Bapa and Justice Frank Onyiri.

Justice Soji stated that 14 petitions were filed before by the tribunal and warned that the tribunal would not entertained delay tactics deployed by lawyers while filing their processes.

She said the tribunal would be fair and unbiased throughout the duration of sitting.

“We crave the indulgence and cooperation of everyone so that we can finish on time. We received 14 petitions from both the National and State Assemblies.

“The election petition is time-bound. We will hear you and decide according to the law. We are not here for any party or petitioner. No lawyer or litigant should see us in private. We will not tolerate that, and we will finish well.

“We will not allow any private talk with members of the panel, everything should be made public.”

Olajide Ajana assured the tribunal that the processes would be smooth and unhindered.