LEGAL OPINION - CONCLUSION

The Learned Counsel to the 1st Respondent erred under these rules to respect the image of the tribunal. It is the inherent power of a court to convict for contempt but this is not clearly provided for the tribunal. But, to say the tribunal has inherent power to convict for contempt is to assume it has the power because the panel constitutes conventional Judges in our courts. It is therefore in my view that the Tribunal was right due to the derogatory comments and unfounded allegation made by the 1st Respondent's Counsel.

A. O. Okonkwo Esq. Meridian Consulting, 1 Meridian Street, Garki II, Abuja.