The newly constituted Ogun State Gubernatorial Election Tribunal on Wednesday warned lawyers and litigants against intimidation or threats on any member of the panel.
The Chairman of the panel, Justice Adenike Coker, gave the warning at the inaugural sitting of the tribunal in Abeokuta.
Adenike also warned against any act that could amount to inducement of members of the panel.
The previous panel, led by Justice Chinwe Onyeabo, was disbanded following a reshuffle of tribunal panels across the country.
The Allied Peoples Movement had protested against the disbandment of the Onyeabo-led panel, describing it as “premeditated and unacceptable”.
The APM, which is challenging the victory of Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress in the March 9 governorship polls in the state, also protested against the re-constituted panel.
The party hinged its argument on the alleged close relationship between Coker, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom it described as stakeholders in the ongoing petition at the tribunal.
Adenike, however, gave assurance on Wednesday that the panel would be impartial, incorruptible and would adhere strictly to the rule of law and principles of fair hearing.
She also urged stakeholders not to embark on “smear campaigns” against members of the tribunal.
‘‘This panel intends to conduct the proceedings herein without favour or fear of anyone except the Lord Almighty,” she said.