A human rights lawyer and public interest litigator, Barrister Bilyaminu Lukman Maihanchi, has issued a final seven-day ultimatum to the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission,TSIEC, demanding the declaration of vacancy in the office of the Councillor representing Turaki ‘A’ Ward in Jalingo Local Government Council and the conduct of a by-election.
The lawyer stated that the action was being taken in the public interest and in furtherance of constitutional democracy and the rule of law, while urging the Commission to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of TSIEC on Tuesday, Maihanchi recalled an earlier petition dated April 17, 2026, and received by the Commission on April 20, 2026, in which he requested an investigation into the continued occupation of the councillorship seat by an individual who had allegedly accepted an executive appointment as Chairman of the Taraba State Scholarship Board.
According to the lawyer, more than 30 days have elapsed since the Commission received the petition, yet it has neither responded nor taken any visible action to address what he described as serious constitutional and democratic concerns.
He argued that the Commission’s continued inaction undermines the constitutional right of the people of Turaki ‘A’ Ward to effective representation and raises concerns about its commitment to preserving the integrity of the democratic process.
Maihanchi consequently demanded that TSIEC, within seven days of receiving the latest letter, investigate the status of the councillor representing Turaki ‘A’ Ward, declare the seat vacant if required by
