The Ekiti state governorship
petition tribunal has been moved out of the state to a yet to be named place.
Suleiman Belgore, chairman of the
tribunal, announced this after considering an application made by Adebayo
Adelodun (SAN), counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adelodun had asked that asked
that the panel move its sittings from the state high court to the nation’s
capital.
While making his application, he
said Ekiti state is unsafe for such sitting.
“My lord, on our way to the
tribunal, we were accosted by some crowds with sticks. We were on a spot for
several minutes until a senior police officer came to us,” he said.
“We have to be safe first, in
life, safety comes first, we are professionals and we move around to do out
job. Sir, we hereby request that this sitting should be shifted to another
venue, probably Abuja because of safety.”
Akin Olujimi (SAN), counsel to
the All Progressive Congress (APC), agreed with Adewole, saying he experienced
similar things.
“It has happened before, some
four years ago, it happened. My colleague who is now the governor of Ondo state
appeared then, he was stoned. So I also support that Abuja as an alternative
venue.”
Charles Edohosa, counsel to the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), agreed with the counsel of
the PDP.
After a recess, Belgore, with
other members of the panel, Ebiyerin Omukoro and Aliyu Usman, granted the
application.
“We have considered the issue
considerately, and we are mindful of the consequences. There is security
implications on the lives of the counsels and we cannot allow this,” he said.
“So on this, there is merit to
this application, and it has been granted. The new venue and date will be
communicated to all counsels within 48 hours.”
He urged lawyers to parties to
maintain decorum and not engage in the use of any “delay tactics” to slow down
proceedings.
Belgore said the panel would be
guided by the 1999 constitution (as amended), electoral act 2010 (as amended),
federal high court civil procedure rules and practice direction as issued by
the president of the court of appeal.
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