The Federal Capital Territory of Abuja has been ordered as the new location for the Ebonyi State Election Petition Tribunal.
The instruction was given by Monica Mensem, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal.
On Wednesday in Abakaliki, Nyior Henry Sekulla, Secretary of the Tribunal, made the announcement.
According to him, the election petition tribunal office at the Abakaliki location of the Ebonyi State Judiciary has closed as a result of the decision.
He claims that all proceedings pertaining to the Tribunal’s cases will resume in 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 the general public is hereby informed via this medium that, the EPT sitting here in Abakaliki thereby cease to operate in Abakaliki as of 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.
