The recent relocation of the Kogi Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal from Lokoja to Abuja has sparked controversy and raised questions about the state of security in the region. The decision, made by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has left many wondering about the reasons behind this move and its potential impact on the ongoing election petitions. In this article, we will delve deeper into the details of this relocation and explore the possible implications it may have on the tribunal’s proceedings.
According to a statement released by Mr David Umar Mike, Secretary of the Tribunal, the sittings will now be held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja instead of the original location in Lokoja. The statement also urged litigants to take note of the change in venue, but did not provide any explanation for the sudden relocation. However, a top source at the tribunal revealed that the decision was primarily driven by security concerns.
The source stated that the members of the tribunal had been subjected to multiple attacks while working in Lokoja. Just last Monday, tribunal officials were ambushed and robbed of all their belongings, including important documents related to the ongoing election petitions. This incident is just one of many that have occurred in the past few weeks, making it increasingly difficult for the officials to carry out their duties without fear for their safety.
The source further added that the situation in Lokoja had become so dire that it was no longer feasible for the tribunal to continue its operations there. Thugs and armed men were constantly disrupting their work, and the lives of the officials were at stake. This not only hindered the progress of the tribunal but also put the lives of the officials in danger. Hence, the decision to relocate to a safer location was deemed necessary.
However, some have raised doubts about the true motives behind this relocation. With the All Progressive Congress (APC) winning the Nov. 11 off-cycle election and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) coming in second, there are speculations that this move was politically motivated. The opposition parties have accused the ruling party of using their influence to manipulate the tribunal’s proceedings and ensure a favorable outcome. This has led to further controversy and mistrust among the litigants and the public.
The relocation of the Kogi Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has undoubtedly caused disruptions and delays in the ongoing cases. With the sudden change in venue, all parties involved will have to adjust their schedules and make necessary arrangements to attend the sittings in Abuja. This may also result in additional costs for the litigants, as they will now have to travel to a different city for the hearings.
Moreover, the relocation has also raised concerns about the impartiality and fairness of the tribunal’s proceedings. With the allegations of political interference, there is a fear that the relocation may have been a strategic move to sway the outcome of the cases in favor of the ruling party. This has led to calls for transparency and accountability from the tribunal, with demands for an explanation for the sudden change in venue.
In addition, the relocation has also caused a delay in the delivery of justice for the people of Kogi. With the tribunal’s operations being disrupted and the officials’ safety at risk, it is uncertain when the cases will be resolved and a final decision will be made. This not only prolongs the uncertainty and tension in the state but also affects the overall governance and development of the region.
The relocation of the Kogi Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has brought to light the pressing issue of security in the region and its impact on the delivery of justice. While the decision may have been made with the safety of the officials in mind, it has also raised questions about the impartiality and fairness of the tribunal’s proceedings. The lack of transparency and accountability in this matter has only added to the controversy and mistrust among the litigants and the public.
It is crucial for the tribunal to address these concerns and provide a clear explanation for the relocation. This will not only ensure the trust and confidence of the parties involved but also uphold the integrity of the judicial system. The people of Kogi deserve a fair and just resolution to the election petitions, and it is the responsibility of the tribunal to deliver that without any political influence or bias. Only then can the state move forward towards progress and development.
