By Wilson Adekumola
The Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal has begun hearing in petitions filed before it over the outcome of the February 25 National Assembly and March 18 House of Assembly elections.
According to the Nation, the chairman of the three-man tribunal, Justice Rose Soji, in her inaugural speech, warned that no lawyer or litigant should see them in private.
Justice Soji noted that such a meeting would not be condone under any guise.
Other members of the panel are Justice Aliyu Bapa and Justice Frank Onyiri.
Justice Soji explained that 14 petitions were filed before the tribunal and admonished that the tribunal and expressed optimism that they could finis on time condone the lawyers would not delay time in filing their process.
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.
