By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
The Chief Judge of Lagos State High Court, Honourable Justice Kazeem Alogba has sworn in Honourable Justice Morenike Olasunmbo Obadina and four other judges of Lagos High Court as Chairman and members of the Lagos State Local Government Election Appeals Tribunal.
In her acceptance remarks after they were sworn in at the weekend, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Morenike Obadina assured Lagosians that their will as expressed with their votes during the last local government elections will be upheld.
Other members of the Lagos Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal are Honourable Justice Beatrice Adesuwa Oke-Lawal, Justice Olubunmi Olutoyin Fadipe, Justice Wasiu Animasahun and Justice Abisoye Bashua.
Justice Obadina said: “On behalf of the members of the Tribunal for Appeal Cases of the local government election, we pledge to do all within our power to work expeditiously before the tribunal, work within the timeframe as mandated by law”.
“I want to assure my Lord, the Chief judge, and the good people of Lagos State that the will of Lagos residents will be fulfilled,”
She expressed delight for the opportunity given to her and the other judges to serve on the tribunal.
“I want to pledge that I am going to do all that is within our power to work expeditiously on all the cases that will come before the tribunal and work within the time-frame, as mandated by law”.
Earlier in his opening address, the Chief Judge, Justice Alogba announced that candidates who are not satisfied with the outcome of the election results from July 24 Lagos State local government elections can now contest the decisions on election petitions at the Election Appeal Tribunal.
According to him, two tribunals would be sitting at Ikeja and Central Business District at Alausa, Ikeja.
“Appeal has started coming in, that is why we are setting up this tribunal.”
“I have carefully thought about the antecedents of all the judges we are putting forth today. I am deeply satisfied with their integrity, hard work, impartiality and honour concerning justice delivery;
“It is a task you are called upon to do for the sake of integrity. The judiciary is not a money-making arm of the government.
“The task you are asked to perform is to further cement the relationship with the citizens of the state. Those who have gone to the election tribunal and those who are dissatisfied with the decision of the appeal.”
Justice Alogba reiterated that the tribunal is the last hope of citizens who are dissatisfied with the results of the local government elections. He therefore urged the judges to be up and doing.
Aside Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, others present at the swearing in ceremony include the Lagos state Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), judges and members of Lagos State Judicial Service Commission.
