The Appeal Court President, Monica Mensem, has directed immediate relocation of Ebonyi State Election Petition Tribunal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The Secretary of the tribunal, Henry Sekulla, issued the directive in Abakaliki, yesterday.

Following the directive, the Election Petition Tribunal Office at the Ebonyi State Judiciary headquarters, in Abakaliki, has been shut down.

He noted that all processes relating to matters before the tribunal will continue at Abuja.

He said: “ The President, Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Mensem, has, through the Deputy Chief Registrar, Election Petition Tribunal (EPT) Headquarters, Abuja, directed relocation of the tribunal’s sitting to Abuja.

“Therefore, in compliance with the directive, petitioners, counsel to parties and the general public are, hereby, informed that the EPT ceases to operate in Abakaliki as from yesterday.

Filing of processes, taking of proceedings and other activities, henceforth, would continue at Abuja.”

On the reason for relocation of the tribunal to Abuja, Henry said it is not within his powers to speak on.

He, however, noted that the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal and that of one other state are also affected.