Charles Esther
The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, has formally constituted and sworn in the chairmen and members of the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals ahead of the August 30 council elections.
The tribunals will operate across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State.
Chairmen and Members Appointed
For Rivers East Senatorial District, Chief Magistrate Kilsi Giadom was appointed as Chairman, with Promise Green and Christian John Jaja as members.
In Rivers South East Senatorial District, Chief Magistrate Harry Sotonye Linda will serve as Chairman, while Anthony Enyinda and Azubuike Georgewill were named members.
For Rivers West Senatorial District, Chief Magistrate Chimenem Okekem was appointed as Chairman, with Israel Dagogo Israel and Ala Atonibere serving as members.
Chief Judge Charges Tribunal Members
After administering the oath of office on Tuesday, Justice Amadi urged the newly sworn-in chairmen and members to carry out their duties without fear, favor, or bias.
He reminded them of the judiciary’s confidence in their ability and cautioned them not to betray the trust reposed in them.
New Timeline for Filing and Hearing Petitions
Justice Amadi highlighted a recent amendment to the law, noting that petitions must now be filed within five days after the election.
He explained that hearings must also be concluded within 30 days, unlike the previous three-month timeframe.
Amadi Defends Legality of Tribunals
Reacting to criticisms from the Pilex Center for Civic Education Initiative, led by Nsirivomu Courage, which alleged that setting up the tribunals amounted to endorsing illegality, the Chief Judge insisted that the law fully empowers him to establish the tribunals.
He stressed that his action was a statutory duty and not influenced by any external pressure.
Chief Judge Reaffirms Statutory Duty
Justice Amadi clarified that the Rivers State Local Government Election Tribunals Law of 2000, as amended, provides the legal framework for the establishment of such tribunals whenever elections are held.
He emphasized that those opposed to the tribunals should seek redress in court rather than questioning the performance of his constitutional duty.
