Kogi State Coordinating Council of the Obidient Movement has called for the immediate relocation of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, currently sitting in Lokoja, to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In a statement signed by the State Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Bala Oma, the urgent request is necessitated by escalating insecurity in Kogi State, which he said has raised concerns about the safety of the tribunal members, legal representatives, and witnesses involved in the ongoing proceedings.
Bala Oma expressed grave concern over the recent spate of attacks targeting individuals and institutions connected to the election petition.
He highlighted the alarming incidents, including the killing of innocent citizens, the destruction of properties, and the assault on the Resident Electoral Commissioner, the INEC office, and the Secretary of the Election Petition Tribunal.
“These acts of violence and intimidation are a clear attempt to disrupt the democratic process and undermine the rule of law,” Comrade Oma asserted.
“We cannot allow such blatant disregard for justice to continue unchecked. The safety of all stakeholders involved in this crucial legal process must be paramount.
“In light of these developments, the Obidient Movement urges the Federal Government, the National Judicial Council, and all relevant authorities to take immediate action to ensure the security of the tribunal and relocate its proceedings to Abuja. The Federal Capital Territory offers a more secure environment where the tribunal can operate without fear of intimidation or violence.
“The time to act is now. We cannot continue to allow the peace and stability of our state to be jeopardized by the actions of a few individuals who seek to undermine the democratic process. The relocation of the tribunal is an essential step towards restoring confidence in the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.”
The Obidient Movement called on all stakeholders to work together to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the will of the Kogi State electorate is respected.
