Sokoto Chief Judge Inaugurates Tribunal For LG Polls

The Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Justice Saidu Sifawa, on Wednesday, inaugurated the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal to handle disputes between political parties that participated in the just concluded local government elections in the state.

The election which was held on Sept. 21 was contested by 15 political parties and saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) sweep all 23 Chairmen and 244 Councillorship seats in the state.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which is the main opposition party did not participate in the election.

The brief inauguration ceremony was held at Court 1 of the Sokoto State High Court complex, in accordance with constitutional provisions.

While inaugurating the tribunal, Justice Sifawa urged them to discharge their duties in fairness and professionalism.

“Your assignment is a special one, and it carries enormous responsibility not only to Sokoto State but to the entire nation,”

Justice Sifawa said. “Only persons of proven integrity and known for their professional conduct have been chosen for this task. This will be a test of your conscience, and I trust you will perform your duties without fear or favour.”

Addressing journalists shortly after the inauguration, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Sokoto State, Barrister Nasiru Binji, emphasised that the establishment of the tribunal was a legal requirement following any election.

“This is mandated by law. It requires the Chief Judge to inaugurate tribunals that will hear and resolve petitions arising from local government elections,” Binji explained.