The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has ordered that the Ebonyi Election Petitions Tribunal be relocated to Abuja immediately. This directive was announced by the Secretary of the tribunal, Nyior Sekulla, on Wednesday in Abakaliki.
Following the directive, the tribunal office at the Ebonyi Judiciary Headquarters in Abakaliki has been shut down. All processes relating to matters before the tribunal would continue at Abuja.
In compliance with the HPCA directives, the petitioners, counsel to parties, and the general public have been informed that the EPT sitting in Abakaliki would cease to operate in Ebonyi on April 26. The statement also noted that filings of processes, taking of proceedings, among others, would henceforth continue at Abuja.
The reason for the relocation of the tribunal was not stated in the statement released. However, it is believed to be a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of tribunal members and staff, following recent security challenges in the region.
