Elections: Tribunal receives six petitions in Bayelsa

The elections petition tribunal sitting in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, Tuesday, said it has received a total of six petitions.

Justice Ononeze Madu, chairman of the tribunal who disclosed this during the inauguration of the election tribunal in Yenagoa said the tribunal was ready to deal with every petition.

She explained that the tribunal was for the hearing and determination of petitions filed in respect of the just concluded National and state Houses of Assembly elections in Bayelsa.

She said that the tribunal has limited time at its disposal to deliberate on all petitions filed before it and deliver judgment in writing within 180 days from the date the petition was filed.

“The tribunal will approach petitions with the attitude of a judicial task force with the view of determining petitions on merit.

“We will not entertain anything that will distract us from our target of ensuring justice; the tribunal expects full co-operation from the bar and a robust relationship with the good people of Bayelsa.

“Any attempt to influence the tribunal from any quarters, however subtle shall be resisted,” she said.

Justice Madu solicited the full co-operation of the bar, the litigants, political parties, the media and the general public during the sitting.

She urged the counsel representing petitioners, respondents and INEC to familiarise themselves with the enabling status and the constitution to put in extra time, stressing that frivolous applications for adjournment may not be entertained.

In his remarks, Mr Wodu Kemasuode, AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice said the state government was in support of the tribunal and was ready to provide an enabling environment for it to discharge its responsibilities.

“Bayelsa is peaceful, I urge you not to mind any negative report that have been flying; the people of Bayelsa are the most peace loving people,” Kemasuode said.