The Kogi Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has made a significant decision to relocate its sitting from Lokoja to Abuja. This move was announced by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, the President of the Court of Appeal, in a statement released by the secretary of the tribunal, David Umar Mike. The statement indicated that the tribunal’s new venue will be at the National Judicial Institute on Umar Yar’Adua Way in Abuja.
Litigants involved in the tribunal’s proceedings have been urged to take note of this venue change. While the statement did not explicitly provide a reason for the relocation, a top source at the tribunal revealed that the decision was made due to security concerns.
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According to the source, the staff of the tribunal has been subjected to multiple attacks in Lokoja, prompting the need for the relocation. The source cited a recent incident where tribunal officials were attacked while on their way to the office. They were ambushed by armed men who robbed them of all their belongings, including important documents related to the tribunal’s work.
The stolen items included copies of petitions, personal belongings, official receipts, processes such as subpoenas, and official stamps. These incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and danger for the tribunal’s officials, making it increasingly difficult for them to carry out their duties effectively.
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The decision to relocate the tribunal to Abuja is a crucial one, as it not only ensures the safety of the tribunal’s staff but also guarantees that the proceedings can continue without the threat of further attacks. The move to the National Judicial Institute in Abuja provides a more secure and conducive environment for the tribunal to conduct its business.
This development comes in the wake of heightened tensions and security challenges in Kogi, particularly about the governorship election petitions. The decision to relocate the tribunal reflects the commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the legal process is carried out fairly and securely.
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The relocation of the Kogi Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to Abuja is expected to have a significant impact on the ongoing legal proceedings related to the election. It is a proactive step taken to address the security concerns that have posed a threat to the tribunal’s operations in Lokoja.
As the tribunal prepares to resume its sitting in Abuja, litigants and stakeholders involved in the governorship election petitions are advised to take note of the new venue and make the necessary arrangements to ensure their continued participation in the legal process.
The decision to relocate the tribunal is a testament to the resilience and determination of the judiciary to uphold the principles of justice and fairness, despite the challenges posed by security threats. It underscores the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for the administration of justice, particularly in cases of high-profile political significance.
The Kogi Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal’s move to Abuja is a significant development that underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and security of judicial proceedings. It is a proactive step taken to address the security concerns that have threatened the tribunal’s operations in Lokoja and to ensure that the legal process can continue without fear or intimidation.
As the tribunal prepares to resume its sitting at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, all stakeholders involved in the governorship election petitions are encouraged to take note of the new venue and make the necessary arrangements to continue their participation in the legal process.
The decision to relocate the tribunal is a clear demonstration of the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served in a fair and secure manner. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the judiciary to carry out its mandate, despite the challenges posed by security threats.
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The Kogi Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal’s relocation to Abuja is a positive step towards creating a safe and secure environment for the administration of justice, particularly in cases of high-profile political significance. It sends a strong message that the judiciary will not be deterred by security challenges and will continue to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
