By Joy Kaka
The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Husseini Yusuf, has tasked the FCT Area Council Election Appeal Tribunal panels on integrity and impartiality.
Inaugurating the panel, Yusuf charged the members to uphold strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of their duties.
He described the exercise as “not a routine administrative exercise” but “a solemn constitutional moment” with direct implications for grassroots democracy and public confidence in the justice system.
He said Area Councils constituted the closest tier of government to the people, adding that electoral disputes arising at that level must be resolved “promptly, fairly, and strictly.
Yusuf said this should be done in accordance with the law,” and not through speculation, pressure, partisanship or the sheer volume of public sentiments.”
According to him, election adjudication is entrusted to specialised tribunals to provide a credible and peaceful mechanism for resolving disputes whose mishandling could threaten social cohesion and public trust.
He emphasised that the Appeal Tribunal was not established to confer political advantage or validate public opinion, but to administer justice in line with the law.
Justice Yusuf noted that election petitions were sui generis, governed by specialised rules and strict timelines, and warned that governance should not be held hostage to protracted litigation.
“Thus, the work of this Appeal Tribunal must be approached with courage, professionalism, and fidelity to the Constitution and the relevant electoral framework,” he said.
Yusuf charged members of the tribunal to maintain strict impartiality, uphold the right to fair hearing, resist external influences, protect the sanctity of their oath of office and ensure that the tribunal was remembered for the integrity of its proceedings.
The chief judge emphasised that “justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done.”
He further cautioned against the temptations of political convenience or popular demand in election litigation.
He said that decisions must be grounded in properly pleaded issues, admissible and credible evidence, and binding legal principles.
“Where the law requires strict compliance, it must be strictly applied,” he said.
Justice Yusuf also called on parties, counsel and the public to allow the tribunal to function without intimidation, misinformation or disorder, stressing that the courts remained the proper channel for redress.
“With this charge, and with full confidence in Your Lordships’ capacity to discharge this solemn assignment, I hereby inaugurate the FCT Area Council Election Appeal Tribunal,” he said.
Also speaking, a judge, Justice S.C. Orji, urged members to ensure collaboration and cooperation in the discharge of their duties.
He said, “One thing that brings dishonour to tribunals is when there is divergence of opinion and doubt in the credibility of the members. So, I pray three of you will look at the facts of the case clearly and apply the law strictly so that you will arrive at unanimous decisions.”
Similarly, Justice M.E Anenih urged the members not to succumb to political convenience or public opinion demands.
“Try to be firm and fair, and I pray God will guide you, give you wisdom to discharge this duty, this great responsibility that has been placed on you. Let your conscience guide you in the rulings of your proceedings,” Anenih said.
The members inaugurated include Justice Sulieman Belgore, Justice Maryam Hassan and Justice Aliyu Shafa.
