The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal has banned public analysis of its proceedings.
The tribunal gave the prohibition on Wednesday during its official inaugural setting in Abuja.
“Any breach will not be condoned and we will not hesitate in taking necessary action against such offenders,” President of the Appeal Court, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa warned.
Mrs Bulkachuwa also said the case should be treated like other low-profile cases which are not discussed publicly.
“We assure all stakeholders that each litigant will be given equal opportunity to present his case in a mature manner before us.
“We are witnesses to what has been happening in high profile cases where such cases are being discussed and publicly decided prematurely in both the social and electronic media before the announcement of the verdict by the court.
“We pray that this time would be an exception for the benefit of the nation. We don’t expect counsel to any of the parties to hype the polity after any sitting by making a public analysis in the media as to what transpired in court.
“These proceedings should be treated as would any other low-profile case, where proceedings in court are not discussed publicly until a decision is pronounced by the court.
“This admonition is also extended to the parties, their respective counsel and the members of the press.
“We, on our own part, will make relevant information available as and when due,” the judge who heads the five-man panel said.
