2023: Funds to set up tribunals yet to be released, says Appeal court president

President of the court of appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has said funds for the 2023 general election petition tribunals are yet to be released.

The president of the court of appeal is statutorily empowered to constitute election petition tribunals.

Speaking at the 2022/2023 legal year of the appellate court, Dongban-Mensem warned that delaying the release of the funds could interfere with the establishment of tribunals and courts that will hear cases arising from the 2023 polls.

She said, “It is pertinent to state that adequate preparation requires adequate funding.

“The essential ingredient for the tribunals to function effectively to maximum capacity is the provision of the much-needed funding to provide adequate facilities for the tribunals across the nation.

“The fund to prosecute the 2023 general election petition tribunals has still not been released. This is becoming worrisome as it may impede plans to constitute the various tribunals and courts.

“The process of training of justices, tribunal judges and registry staff is also on hold pending the release of funds.

The existing tribunals have taken up a whole chunk of the very limited resources of the court. We appeal to the relevant authorities to ensure that the funds for running of the tribunals are released urgently.”

Meanwhile, despite the reported lack of funding, Dongban-Mensem said she has received nominations for judicial officers who will preside over the tribunals from several heads of court throughout the federation.

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