On Friday, the Ebonyi chapter of the Labour Party expressed concern over relocating the state election petitions tribunal to Abuja.

Last Wednesday, the president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, directed the tribunal to relocate to Abuja immediately.

The chairman of the party in Ebonyi, Godwin Jioke, consequently stated that the shutdown of the tribunal was worrisome to its party.

“We are not comfortable with the cessation of operation and decision of moving the election petitions tribunal sitting to Abuja. The decision has to be reconsidered and allow matters to be handled in the state where elections took place,” Mr Jioke explained.

Sylvester Amah, a legal practitioner, said there could be reasons for the relocation, ranging from insecurity, logistics and funding.

“The team of the tribunal could be looking for a neutral environment where political parties would not claim ownership of the process. Yes, I okayed the relocation and I believe it will allow all processes relating to the matters before the tribunal to gain equity, fair hearing and justice,” stated Mr Amah.

He added, “It will be fair hearing and justice. It will also avoid laying claims, interference and perversion of justice.”

(NAN)