Don’t greet me in public, Tribunal judge warns

Chairman of an Election Petitions Tribunal in Cross River State, Hon Justice A. A. Babawale, has warned litigants not to greet her even if they run into her in public.

Babawale, who spoke during the inauguration of the panel in Calabar Tuesday, said this was because such gesture could be misinterpreted given the sensitivity of the assignment of the panel.

She said though Nigerians are courteous and hospitable people, it did not apply in this particular case, and she warned against anyone trying to contact her in any way.

The judge urged lawyers to restrict all activities to the registry, and also warned against members of the bar interacting with staff of the Tribunal.

Babawale’s panel also made up of Justice S. B. Shuaib and Justice M. C. Okoh as members, would is third panel set up to handle election petitions in the Tribunal in the state.

She solicited the support of all stakeholders in the Tribunal matter and assured that all petitions would be considered on their merit.

She said the panel would perform their duty with honesty and urged the all gentlemen of the bar to comply with them.

She said she did not know of the litigants and does not want to give the wrong impression.

She sought the cooperation of all in the management of time.