By Kayode Adebiyi

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and international human rights lawyer, Mohammed Ndarani, says the Benue Appeals Tribunal has exhibited commendable judicial integrity in the appeals from the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal.

Ndarani, who spoke in Abuja on Thursday, said the judgments at the tribunal earlier given by non-judicial panel members, was an undermining of the judiciary.

He asserted that the new judicial officers currently handling the cases would rectify all the challenges and lapses of the former panel members, and restore confidence in the nation’s judiciary.

Ndarani, who is lead counsel for the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, spoke after judgments in seven appeals were delivered on Thursday wherein the election and return of incumbent elected councillors was upheld by the appeal tribunal.

He reaffirmed that the judiciary owed an obligation to God, their conscience, and the society, adding that the judgments so far delivered were a reflection of the glaring attributes of competent judicial officers.

Meanwhile, other appeals in the cases pending before the appeal tribunal are to be heard on May 26 after which judgement would be awaited.

Ndarani appreciated the team of Legal practitioners working for and on behalf of the state and independent candidates for their tireless efforts, and also appreciated the judiciary for the industry put into the sound judgments.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz