Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – The calls for the relocation of Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal to the Federal Capital Territory continue to gain momentum as stakeholders in the legal and political spheres express concern over security in the state. This move, which has been long overdue, has been prompted by the recent directive by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, which saw the Ebonyi State Election Petitions Tribunal relocated to Abuja.
The decision to relocate the Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal to Abuja has been received positively by many Nigerians. The move is seen as necessary to ensure the safety of judges, legal practitioners and other stakeholders involved in the election process in Rivers State. The state has been plagued by political violence and insecurity, which has made it difficult for courts to function effectively.
Legal experts have pointed out that the tensions in Rivers State make it impossible for justice to be served. Insecurity in the state has led to a rise in cases of election violence and intimidation, which has affected the ability of the Election Petitions Tribunal to function effectively. The relocation of the tribunal to Abuja is expected to provide a more neutral ground for the hearing of election petitions and disputes.
The need to relocate the Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal to Abuja has been further compounded by the recent spate of attacks on judges and court officials in the state. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety of judges and court officials and have made it difficult for justice to be served in the state. The relocation of the tribunal to Abuja is seen as a step in the right direction in ensuring the safety of judges and court officials.
In conclusion, the relocation of the Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal to Abuja is a necessary step in ensuring the safety of judges, legal practitioners and other stakeholders involved in the election process in the state. The move is expected to provide a more neutral ground for the hearing of election petitions and disputes, and to ensure that justice is served. The decision should be supported by all Nigerians, as it is in the interest of the nation’s democracy and unity. The federal government and other relevant authorities should ensure that adequate measures are put in place to ensure the success of the relocation process.
