ABUJA- The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi, on Wednesday sworn in chairmen and members of three census tribunals.

He said the tribunals, made up of a chairman and three members each, were established to hear complaints and objections to the result of the 2006 National Population and Housing Census.

The Chairmen are Mr. Abraham Yisa, North- west and South-South; Mr. Habibu Ma’aruf, South-East and North-East and Mrs. Ifeyinwa Obegolu, South-West and North-Central.

Kutigi said the chairmen and members of the tribunals, who would sit in Abuja, were to focus on the 2006 population and housing census conducted by NPC.

He urged the tribunals to work harmoniously in ensuring that the goal of government in establishing them was achieved.

Kutigi also urged the chairmen and members to perform their assignment with seriousness and diligence, and ensure that justice was done.

“As you know, an appeal lies from the decision of the tribunal to the Court of Appeal, and finally to the Supreme Court,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has urged members of the tribunals to be committed and transparent in their assignment.

He gave the advice when the chairmen and members of the tribunals paid him a
courtesy call in his office, shortly after they were sworn in.

Ahmed said government needed accurate population figures to plan for social
services, and to distribute resources effectively to states and local governments.

He said his office had made necessary arrangements for office accommodation, court rooms and other logistics for the tribunals to enhance their operations.