The chief judge of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba, on Friday, inaugurated two local government election appeal tribunal panels ahead of the upcoming council polls.

The panels were inaugurated at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room, with sittings to hold in Lagos Island and Ikeja.

Justice Taofikat Oyinkan-Abdullahi (Rtd) will chair the Lagos Island panel, alongside Magistrates Michael Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus.

Justice Sherifah Solebo (Rtd) will lead the Ikeja panel, which includes Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.

In his remarks, Mr Alogba urged the tribunal members to carry out their duties with utmost integrity, fairness and strict fidelity to the law.

He referenced the 2016 Amendment of the Lagos State Local Government Law, stressing adherence to statutory timelines for deciding election petitions.

“Any decision made outside the legal time frame is void and holds no legal weight.

“You must work strictly within the law, as your experience and integrity influenced your appointment to these tribunals,” Mr Alogba said.

He encouraged them to uphold justice without fear or favour, and to resist bias, pressure or intimidation.

Also speaking, Lagos State Attorney General Lawal Pedro (SAN) described the task as a call to service in defence of democracy.

“This is more than legal duty; it is a moral obligation to the state and humanity,” Pedro told the panel members,” Mr Pedro said.

He said the panels must ensure the credibility of the electoral process, protecting it from being manipulated through the judicial system.

The panels are expected to begin sittings immediately after the conclusion of the local government elections.

(NAN)