Continuation of proceedings at the National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal at the High Court of Justice in Jos has been affected by the ongoing nationwide strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN.
The Election Tribunal which adjourned its sitting two weeks ago was to resume this Wednesday for the continuation of hearing.
It is entertaining only one petition filed by Rt. Hon. George Daika and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, against the INEC and two others following the Plateau Southern Zone Senatorial by-Election held on December 5, 2020.
Also Read: Nasarawa Gov blames insecurity on bad governance, poor education
However, the Chairman, other members of the panel as well as Counsel involved in the petition were denied entry into the court premises as all entrances were sealed by leaders of the Union.
The development prompted the panel and counsel (for both the Petitioners and the Respondents) to put their heads together and agree on the need for an alternative venue.
Consequently, the Secretary of the Tribunal was mandated to forward the request to the Chief Judge and get back to the Tribunal thereafter.
The Secretary of the Tribunal, Mua’zu Bagudu, who spoke outside the West of Mines Court premises described the situation as unfortunate noting that the Tribunal is an ad-hoc committee, ought not to be affected by the strike.
Bagudu said the implication of development is the 190 days provided for by the Constitution to deal with tribunal petitions which cannot be extended as a result of the strike by any court.
Editor: Oloyede Oworu
