Relocation of Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal: The Quest for Justice in the Face of Intimidation – By Darlington Okpebholo Ray
Reports emerging from Benin City, Edo State, reveal that the relocation of the governorship election petition tribunal to Abuja was necessitated by concerns over harassment and intimidation of judicial officials. These actions, allegedly orchestrated by thugs and street urchins reportedly sponsored by the state government and coordinated by the controversial chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Jaret Tenebe, have raised alarm bells about the state of democracy and rule of law in Edo State.
The situation escalated during the commencement of tribunal proceedings in early January when a young man identified as Marvis Osarumense, also known as “Ewewan,” was witnessed shooting sporadically outside the tribunal venue. Osarumense, described as a notorious cultist in Benin City, is said to be linked to one Kelly Okungbowa, also known as “Ebo Stone,” a well-known thug allegedly working for the state government. The violent disruption served as a stark reminder of the insecurity and lawlessness that have permeated the political landscape.
Despite efforts to downplay the incident, the APC chairman, Mr. Tenebe, labeled the gunman a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), purportedly protesting for the return of Asue Ighodalo’s “stolen mandate.” However, this claim was met with widespread skepticism. Many questioned how a PDP member could engage in such blatant criminality without intervention from state security agencies under the control of the APC-led government. To date, no record of an arrest or investigation into Osarumense’s actions has been reported, further undermining confidence in the state’s security apparatus.
“The judiciary must be free from external interference to maintain its sanctity and to uphold democracy,” remarked a legal expert familiar with the case. This sentiment underscores the necessity of moving the tribunal to Abuja, where proceedings could be conducted in a more secure and impartial environment.
In addition to concerns about interference, the judiciary’s new leadership, under Justice Kekere Ekun, has demonstrated a commitment to fairness, the rule of law, and timely justice delivery. Justice Ekun’s vision for a reformed judiciary offers a glimmer of hope to Nigerians who have long regarded the courts as the last bastion of justice for the common man. This renewed focus on integrity and impartiality could mark a turning point for the judiciary’s image, which allegations of corruption and political manipulation have often tainted.
The case of Asue Ighodalo presents an opportunity for the judiciary to affirm its credibility. With substantial evidence presented by PDP lawyers and corroborated testimonies from witnesses, the tribunal faces an uncomplicated task: to right the wrongs of the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election by restoring the mandate to its rightful owner. Failure to do so would not only disenfranchise the people of Edo State but also set a dangerous precedent for future elections in Nigeria.
The APC’s chairman, Jaret Tenebe, has reportedly made incendiary statements, boasting of his party’s ability to thwart justice and allegedly threatening violence against those who oppose their agenda. Such declarations further exacerbate tensions and create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among Edo citizens. “Violence has no place in a democracy. It is an antithesis to progress and a threat to the very fabric of our society,” a political analyst observed, emphasizing the need for political actors to embrace peace and civility.
Edo State, renowned for its educated and resourceful population, deserves better than the current state of affairs. The people’s intelligence, resilience, and respect for democracy must be matched by a government that upholds their rights and respects their choices at the ballot box. The ongoing tribunal proceedings offer a critical chance to restore faith in the democratic process and ensure that the will of the people prevails.
At the heart of the matter lies the broader question of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda hinges on creating a free and fair judicial system that can serve as the foundation for lasting reforms. Allowing the tribunal to operate without interference will be a litmus test for the administration’s sincerity in promoting transparency and justice.
The people of Edo State are watching closely, as are Nigerians across the country. The tribunal’s verdict will not only determine the fate of one state but also serve as a barometer for the health of democracy in Nigeria. The judiciary must seize this moment to demonstrate its independence and integrity, thereby reinforcing its role as the guardian of justice and equity.
The relocation of the tribunal to Abuja may have been a necessity, but it is also a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems. If meaningful progress is to be made, the judiciary must be allowed to function without fear or favor, and perpetrators of violence and intimidation must be held accountable.
As the tribunal’s proceedings unfold, the hope for justice remains alive. The people of Edo State, like all Nigerians, deserve a government that reflects their will and upholds their dignity. The time has come for the judiciary to rise to the occasion and deliver a verdict that not only restores confidence in the system but also lays the groundwork for a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Let this be a turning point, not just for Edo State but for Nigeria as a whole—a moment when the rule of law triumphs over impunity, and democracy emerges stronger in the face of adversity.
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray is a Journalist, fellow of the British College of Journalism, Human Resource Management Expert (CIPD), PhD student in International Politics and Conflicts Resolution, Sociopolitical Rights Activist and Publisher of Truth Live News, writes from London, England.