The relocation of the Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal from Benin City to Abuja has been described as a critical step toward ensuring justice and transparency in the ongoing legal battle. Announced by the tribunal secretary, the decision has sparked widespread reactions, with Team Asue Media Organization (TAMO) hailing it as a welcome development.
In a statement signed by Erhabor Emokpae on Friday night in Benin City, TAMO emphasized the importance of the relocation in safeguarding the integrity of the tribunal. “While the official reason for the move has not been disclosed, it is clear that this decision ensures a secure and neutral environment for the proceedings, free from the pressures and tensions that have surrounded the tribunal in Edo State,” the statement read.
The organization commended the judiciary for its commitment to fairness and impartiality, noting that relocating the tribunal to the National Judicial Institute in Abuja shields the process from potential local interference. “This move guarantees that justice will be determined solely on evidence and legal merit,” TAMO stated.
The statement also criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of engaging in actions aimed at undermining the judicial process. “From obstructing BVAS inspections to intimidating witnesses and issuing threats of violence, the APC’s conduct has been an attempt to tilt the scales of justice in their favor. This relocation neutralizes any local leverage they might have hoped to exploit,” TAMO alleged.
Reaffirming its confidence in the strength of the petition filed by its principal, Asue Ighodalo, TAMO maintained that the evidence and legal arguments presented remain unshaken. “This relocation ensures that the tribunal will uncover the full truth of what transpired during the election. We urge all supporters of democracy and the rule of law to remain steadfast as the pursuit of justice advances,” the statement concluded.
With proceedings now set to continue in Abuja, the tribunal’s relocation is widely seen as a move to reinforce the credibility of the judicial process and ensure that justice is delivered without fear or favor.