The Chairman of Kano State National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Flora Azinge has denied news reports that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria attempted to bribe her.

The jurist however said that a staff of the tribunal is under investigation following transfers to the staff’s bank account and the orderly of a tribunal member by an unnamed lawyer.

The revelation is coming against the backdrop of the “All eyes on the judiciary” brouhaha.

Clarifying her position on the matter when the trending news was brought to her attention by a lawyer, the jurist said she was misquoted, adding: “I didn’t say that, Counsel. What I said was that there is allegation that money was transferred to the account of orderly of one of us and a tribunal staff by a lawyer. The said staff is currently under investigation on this matter.

“A lawyer had attempted to bring meat for me during Eid el Kabir celebration which I declined and cautioned him that that it is unethical.

“I am here to serve with integrity and patriotism, and will not give way for corrupt practice. Justice is what I’m here for.”

A senior lawyer had told the Judge that a news report was trending that a senior lawyer attempted to bribe the tribunal chairman, saying: “My Lord, a news report was all over the media that a senior lawyer with a case before you was attempting to bribe you.

“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with a case before this Honorable Tribunal, I deem it necessary to urge my Lord to name the SAN. We are five Senior Advocates with cases before My Lord. For clarification and in the interest of our reputation, My Lord should identify this lawyer”.

Justice Azinge had reportedly said during yesterday court session that “A Senior Advocate of Nigeria who has a pending case before me is attempting to bribe me. Money has been flying in this tribunal since yesterday. Whoever collects money on my behalf, God will punish that person and his generation yet unborn — to the fourth generation.

“They keep abusing judges, insulting us everyday in the papers, in the media — that we are taking bribe.

“Let me repeat again that nobody should approach me with money again. I’m contented with what God has given me, and I have a roof over my head.”