Ondo State Gets Election Petition Tribunal

The Election Petition Tribunal for the Ondo State National and State Houses of Assembly has been created earlier today, March 9, 2023.

The tribunal’s secretary, Mr. Musa Adam, announced this via a statement issued in Akure on Thursday.

“In line with the provisions of Section 130 (3) (b) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the honorable president of the Court of Appeal has constituted the Ondo State National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal”, the statement read.

“Given the above, notice is hereby given to the general public that the Ondo State National and State House of Assembly Election Tribunal has been constituted and that the secretariat of the tribunal is open for business.”

Mr. Adam stated that the tribunal would meet at the Ondo State High Court 2 at Akure’s High Court Complex every day from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu, believes that the federal government shouldn’t have “sole power” over corruption matters.

Akeredolu stated this while inaugurating the Ondo state anti-corruption agency in Akure earlier this week.

According to the governor, state governments should be in charge of pursuing corruption matters that come under their purview.

He gave the state anti-graft agency’s employees instructions to concentrate on the public sector and uphold the law while performing their official duties.

“The commission of certain offenses is local. Corruption trials should not be the exclusive preserve of the federal government. Stealing is also an offense against the state,” the governor said.

“Therefore, if an allegation of crime falls within the purview of the state’s criminal jurisdiction, it is proper that the trial be conducted in the place where the offense is committed.

“This commission is expected to combat crime effectively. Intelligence gathering should commence from the execution of the state budget passed into law. It is basic.

“We hope that this body will be able to track budgetary allocations for the benefit of the people.

“All other engagements should focus on ensuring that the monies appropriated and released are utilized in the interest of the people.

“There are other matters ancillary to this basic function. Corruption, as a social vice, has a wide spectrum. The unwholesome activities of public servants must come under scrutiny.

“There is, virtually, no area of public service that has not been infected with this virus. It is a shame that the state still battles to know the exact figure of those she owes obligations as workers.”