LP laments relocation of Ebonyi Election Tribunal to Abuja
“The decision has to be reconsidered and allow matters to be handled in the state where elections took place,” Jioke said.
The Ebonyi chapter of the Labour Party (LP) expressed concern on Friday over the relocation of the state Election Petitions Tribunal (EPT) to Abuja.
Supreme reports that the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, on Wednesday directed the tribunal to relocate to Abuja immediately.
The State Chairman of the Party, Mr. Godwin Jioke, consequently told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki that the shutdown of the court in the state was worrisome to its party.
“We are not comfortable with the cessation of operation and the decision to move the EPT sitting to Abuja."
“The decision has to be reconsidered and allow matters to be handled in the state where elections took place,” Jioke said.
Mr. Sylvester Amah, a legal practitioner, said there could be reasons for the relocation, ranging from insecurity to logistics to funding.
“The team of the tribunal could be looking for a neutral environment where political parties would not claim ownership of the process."
“Yes, I okayed the relocation, and I believe it will allow all processes relating to the matters before the tribunal to gain equity, a fair hearing, and justice.
“It will be a fair hearing and justice. It will also avoid laying claims, interference, and perversion of justice,” Amah said.