Relocation of the Abia State Election Petition Tribunal from Abuja to the state Government House has been described as a “desperate attempt by Labour Party (LP) to manipulate the process and subvert justice.”
In a statement by the Abia Renaissance Movement (ARM) and signed by the Convener, Ukachukwu Chukwunonso, and its Secretary General, Maria Nwokoma, yesterday, in Umuahia, the group said it is not in support of any political party, it will speak up against any attempt to manipulate the judicial process, saying keeping quiet in the face of injustice would negate its cardinal principles of equity, justice and fairness to all.
The group wondered why the tribunal handling an election matter in which the current state government is a defendant should be relocated from Abuja to Abia.
The group also wondered why the relocation should be in an office right inside the Government House, in Umuahia, when all circumstances that informed the initial relocation to Abuja are still prevalent.”
The group’s statement reads in part: “We have observed with grave concern the hurried and surreptitious relocation of the Abia State Election Petition Tribunal from Abuja back to the state, and wish to state that such a move is not only injurious to democracy, but signals a grave danger to justice.
“We, just like every peace-loving Abian, view the development as a desperate attempt by LP to manipulate the process and subvert justice, considering that it is the ruling party in the state.
“More over, one of the key factors that led to relocation of the tibunal to Abuja, in the first place, was the strike action embarked upon by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Abia State chapter, which led to closure of courts in the state. The situation meant that judges cannot sit, as support staff members needed for dispensation of justice to litigants were not available.
“One then wonders why LP in Abia State is so desperate to relocate the tribunal from Abuja to the state, and even situate it within the Government House, when Abuja has all ingredients, including neutrality, security and availability of judicial workers to ensure a hitch-free legal process and impartial dispensation of justice to all parties.”
