Presiding judge calls for efficient justice delivery in Presidential Election Petition

Presiding judge calls for efficient justice delivery in Presidential Election Petition

Story from Ibraheem Hamza MUHAMMAD

Presiding Judge Justice Haruna Simon Tsamani of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), sitting at the Main Court of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, made a fervent call during the opening of the court’s seating for the 2023 General Elections.

As a Judge of the Abuja Division of the Court, Justice Tsamani urged the lawyers appearing before the court to avoid unnecessary delays caused by technicalities or any other factors that impede the dispensation of justice.

“I call upon all of us to work for the growth and development of our country, Nigeria, and refrain from acts that could disrupt the peace of our nation,” he emphasized.

Justice Haruna Simon Tsamani appealed to the general public to witness the proceedings for their own benefit and understanding.

He also urged journalists to avoid sensationalizing the proceedings, highlighting the importance of responsible reporting.

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The other judges presiding over the case are Justices Stephen Jonah Ada, Misturat Bello Yusuf, Okwu, and Abba Mohammed.

However, both journalists and lawyers faced a challenging day gaining entrance to the courtroom due to the stern-looking police personnel.

Prior to the proceedings, a court registrar sought forgiveness for the delay in opening the courtroom, which led to some commotion after it was finally opened.

Several prominent politicians were present at the opening session, including Mr. Peter Gregory Obi of the Labour Party, Barrister Simon Bako Lalong, the Governor of Plateau State, and the Director-General of the defunct All Progressives Congress, Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC). The Secretary of INEC, the Chairman of the Labour Party, and the Chairman of APGA were also in attendance.

The proceedings will resume tomorrow.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are challenging the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged as the winner of the Presidential Election with 8.8 million votes, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who garnered 6.9 million votes, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) with 6.1 million votes, and 15 other candidates.