The Ebonyi State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has expressed concern over the recent relocation of the state Election Petitions Tribunal (EPT) to Abuja.
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 Labour Party, Mr Godwin Jioke, said that the shutdown of the court in Ebonyi was worrisome to his party.
According to him, the party is not comfortable with Dongban-Mensem’s decision. “We aren’t comfortable with the cessation of operation and decision of moving the EPT sitting to Abuja,” Jioke said.
“The decision has to be reconsidered and allow matters to be handled in the state where elections took place.”
The EPT is responsible for handling petitions challenging the results of the 2023 general elections in Ebonyi state.
The tribunal was initially sitting at the state High Court Complex in Abakaliki, but following the directive from Justice Dongban-Mensem, it has been relocated to Abuja.
The LP Chairman stated that the decision to relocate the EPT to Abuja could have serious consequences for the petitioners, who will now have to travel long distances to attend court sessions.
He also expressed concerns about the safety and security of the petitioners and their legal teams, especially in the face of rising insecurity in the country.
Jioke called on the President of the Court of Appeal to reconsider the decision and allow the EPT to continue sitting in Ebonyi.
He noted that the state has the necessary infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the tribunal, and that it would be more convenient for the parties involved if the court remains in the state.
The LP Chairman urged the judiciary to always prioritize the interests of the people in its decisions, adding that the relocation of the EPT to Abuja would further erode public confidence in the judiciary.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
