By Tina Amanda
The Rivers State Government has officially inaugurated the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal and its Appeal Panel to oversee disputes arising from the recent local government elections.
In a statement released by the Chief Registrar of the Rivers State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, it was disclosed that the tribunal, originally scheduled to be inaugurated on Friday, October 4, 2024, was inaugurated on Monday, October 7, 2024.
The inauguration was presided over by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi.
The members of the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal include Rosemary N. Ibanibo, Precious Dike, Emmanuel Evans-Dappa, Menenen Poromon, Grace Ikenyiri, and Benedict Neenaador Kinakah. Chief Magistrate Betty Sunny-Hart was appointed as the Chairman, with Chief Magistrates G.S. Minanyo and Mabel Amesi serving as tribunal members.
In addition, the Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal is chaired by Justice Opufaa Ben-Whyte, with Frank Onyiri and Justice Ibietela Madighi-Obu appointed as members.
The statement further quoted the Chief Judge urging the tribunal and appeal panel members to conduct their duties impartially, with fairness to all parties, and to carry out their responsibilities in the fear of God.
