By Adaeze Onuora , Abakaliki
The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in Ebonyi State has said to dissatisfied with the decision of Appeal Court CJ for ordered immediate relocation of the Ebonyi Election Petition Tribunal to Abuja
This contained in statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of Ebonyi APGA , Nwanchor Chibuike Nwanchor,
He said "That Ebonyi APGA being unsatisfied with the recent developments as the reason for such a move was undisclosed by the Secretary of the Tribunal, Nyior Henry Sekulla on Wednesday, 26th April 2023.
As the directive has forced the shutdown of the election petition Tribunal office at the Ebonyi State Judiciary Headquarters in Abakaliki"
APGA Publicity Secretary said, they call and charge the Lordships to be impartial and unbiased in the discharge of their duties, while pertinent to urge them to base their decision solely on the preponderance or otherwise of the evidence before it.
He also urged INEC to held a high standard of transparency, fairness, and compliance with its rules and guidelines, added that election tribunal judges must ensure that INEC’s actions are scrutinized properly and that they are held accountable for any failures or shortcomings in their duties.
It will be recalled that Ebonyi State Election Petition Tribunal has been directed to relocate to Federal Capital Territory Abuja with immediate effect.
The directive was issued by the Appeal Court President, Monica Mensem.
Secretary of the Tribunal, Nyior Henry Sekulla disclosed this in Abakaliki on Wednesday.
He said that following the directive the election petition Tribunal office at the Ebonyi State Judiciary Headquarters in Abakaliki has shut down from today.
He noted that all processes relating to matters before the Tribunal will continue at Abuja.
He said: “The Honourable Justice Monica Dongban Mensem, President Court of Appeal – HPCA has through the Deputy Chief Registrar, Election Petition Tribunal (EPT) Headquarters Abuja, directed the relocation of EPT sitting here to FCT Abuja”
“Therefore, in compliance with the HPCA directives, the petitioners, counsel to parties and general public is hereby informed via this medium that, the EPT sitting here in Abakaliki thereby cease to operate in Abakaliki as at 26-04-23; filings of processes, taking of proceedings etc. shall henceforth continue at Abuja”.
"On the reason for the decision to move the Tribunal to Abuja, Mr Henry said it is not within his powers to speak on the reasons.
He however noted that the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal and that of one other State are also affected.
