600 pre-election appeals to appeals court, president says

The president of the Court of Appeals, Judge Monica Dongban-Mensem, said Friday that the court had received 600 pre-election cases from its 20 divisions so far.

Dongbam-Mensem made this known when the ambassador of the European Union delegation, Samuela Isopi, visited her in her office.

“The court has received more than 600 pre-election appeals from November to date across the 20 divisions of the court and more appeals are still being filed.

“More than 60 panels were set up in the various divisions to hear and decide all pre-election appeals submitted.

“In view of the pressure under which the Hon Justices work, some experienced clerks of the court have been empowered to summarize and distribute the decisions made so far to the various divisions in order to avoid conflicting decisions,” she said.

The President expressed delight at her presence, which she said provided an opportunity to exchange views, share experiences and learn from their respective experiences in their countries.

According to her, transparency in the electoral process is one of the core values ​​of democratic stability in a country.

She stated that the active involvement of Election Observation Missions in Nigeria to ensure free, fair and credible elections is appreciated.

“It is relevant to state that the role of these observer organizations has had a major influence on the decision to review the 2010 Electoral Act.

“The 2022 Electoral Act has introduced laudable innovations to strengthen our democracy and ensure credible elections.

“The Court of Appeals has reviewed, developed and expanded the scope of work material for judges,” she said.

According to her, there is now a Judicial Electoral Manual that includes decisions of the Supreme Court and those of the Court of Appeals and the “critical” fundamental sections of the 2022 Electoral Act.

This, she said, is to ensure that appeals with similar facts and issues are categorized together to preserve the doctrine of stare decision.

“In preparation to carry out its constitutional mandate, the court is facing numerous challenges, including but not limited to a lack of funds,” she said.

“Allow me to say that the court is in a dilemma, we have only 21 days left until the general election and the special intervention fund to lead the Election Petition has yet to be released,” she said.

She added that this would negatively affect the activities of the court and tribunals to effectively carry out their constitutional duties.

“It is expected that provisions have now been made for the purchase of the necessary materials and equipment that are necessary for the proper functioning of the various tribunals.

“We should also have organized further training for Hon. Judges, members of the tribunals and secretariat staff, but we can’t because of a lack of money.

“We hope these challenges will be addressed quickly before the general election takes place.

“I thank your Excellency for visiting and look forward to a fruitful interactive session,” she said.

Speak, Amber. Isopi expressed its joy at the efforts made in improving the electoral issues.

“One of the points you raised was to support the judiciary in building the capacity of judges in election-related matters.

“I am happy to say that we were able to help train 300 judges.

“We have also trained secretaries and support staff as this is something that is seen as crucial for us.

“This is because we know it can really help improve and promote solutions to election disputes,” she said.

NAN