Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpembese, has directed the relocation of the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals to Abuja with immediate effect.
The relocation, according to a circular personally signed by the Chief Judge, is due to the insecurity surrounding the tribunal venues in Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo.
The directive is contained in a circular signed by the State Chief Judge, dated 4th March 2025, and addressed to all tribunals in Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo.
According to the circular, titled “Directive for the Immediate Relocation of the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals to NBA House, Abuja,” the Chief Judge stated that the measure aims to ensure the safety of tribunal members, litigants, and counsel.
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“In view of the prevailing security threats and the ongoing strike by the Benue State Judiciary Staff Union, it has become necessary to take urgent measures to ensure the safety of tribunal members, litigants, and counsel, as well as to facilitate the smooth conduct of proceedings within the legally prescribed timeframe.
“Accordingly, I hereby direct that all sittings of the Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunals and the Appeal Tribunal be immediately relocated to the NBA House, Abuja.
“Your Lordships are to take the necessary steps to effect this relocation without delay and inform all parties accordingly,” the circular stated in part.
It will be recalled that the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, had on Tuesday directed residents of the state to steer clear of the tribunal venues to prevent any threats to tribunal members.
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