News
Benue tackles CJ for relocating LG poll tribunal to Abuja
The Benue State Government has raised concerns over the directive issued by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpembese, to relocate the Local Government Election Petition Tribunals to Abuja.
The tribunals are currently handling disputes arising from the Benue State Local Government elections conducted on October 5, 2024.
Reports indicate that 93 petitioners, including aggrieved candidates from both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, have filed cases at the tribunal since October 17, 2024.
In a statement on Wednesday, Justice Ikpembese cited security concerns as the primary reason for relocating the tribunal proceedings to Abuja, emphasising the need to safeguard the lives of judges amid rising threats of violence.
However, speaking to journalists in Makurdi, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, questioned the CJ’s unilateral decision, noting that neither the governor nor his office had been formally notified.
“The state government, which funds the judiciary, was not informed about this decision,” Mnyim said. “We woke up to rumours that the tribunals had been relocated. When we went to the court premises, we found them deserted. As the Attorney General and a respondent in these cases representing the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, I retain the right to be officially informed of such a critical decision.”
Justice Ikpembese had issued a circular titled ‘Directive for the Immediate Relocation of the Local Government Election Petitions Tribunals to NBA House, Abuja,’ explaining that the move was necessary due to security threats and an ongoing strike by the Benue State Judiciary Staff Union.
“In view of the prevailing security threats and the judiciary workers’ strike, it has become necessary to take urgent measures to ensure the safety of tribunal members, litigants, and counsel while facilitating smooth proceedings within the legally prescribed time frame,” the CJ stated.
Tensions between the Benue State Government and the Chief Judge have been escalating in recent weeks.
The Benue State House of Assembly, acting on a petition from Governor Hyacinth Alia, recently recommended Justice Ikpembese’s removal, a move that was resisted by the National Judicial Council and the Nigerian Bar Association.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the state has backed the Chief Judge’s decision to relocate the tribunals.
Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, Benue PDP Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, emphasised security concerns.
“This is a matter of safety, and the party supports the relocation order given by the Chief Judge,” Nyor said. “Sponsored hoodlums previously held tribunal judges hostage for five hours and blocked access to the court premises using sandbags.”
Given that election petitions are time-bound, Nyor maintained that relocating to Abuja is the best option to protect the lives of tribunal judges and litigants while ensuring the process continues without interference.
Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Olukayode, has dismissed claims that 25 lawmakers are planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress to an unnamed party.
According to Leadership, Olukayode described in a Tuesday statement that the report is “entirely false and without merit.”
“We categorically state that this claim is entirely false and without merit.“
During the recent leadership dispute within the Assembly, a similar report surfaced, suggesting that twenty-seven (27) members were preparing to leave the APC for the Labour Party.
“That claim was also unequivocally refuted, with members affirming their commitment to the party and confidence in resolving internal disagreements through established mechanisms,” he stated.
He emphasized that no APC lawmaker in the Assembly was contemplating defection, reiterating that as progressives, any challenges faced are resolved through democratic and lawful means.
Olukayode further assured that the APC leadership is actively addressing all internal concerns and outstanding issues will be resolved amicably.
He urged those spreading the rumours to desist from misleading the public, stressing that the Lagos Assembly remains focused on its legislative duties of enacting laws and motions that drive the state’s development.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has attending to a Fire resulting from a tanker accident outward Otedola bridge, Omole, Lagos at about 20:00 hours yesterday.
The 30 tonnes DAF Gas Truck with an unknown registration number is on it way navigating the Lagos-Ibadan expressway before an accident resulting in an ensuing explosion accompany with Fire balls in front of a Reedem Church.
The resultant Fire quickly spread to the church and adjoining bungalow building as well as four different brands of vehicles as it being mitigated from causing further damage.
According to Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, there has been no record of casualty with further update to follow.
A Civil Society Organisation, Gender Mobile Initiative and the Speaker of the House of Representatives have highlighted the urgent need for gender-responsive legislative reforms.
The call was made at the Women’s Policy Action Lab as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2025 in Abuja, according to a statement by the Communication Officer, Gender Mobile Initiative, Abubakar Abdullahi.
The meeting further reinforced the need for commitment by stakeholders to advance gender equality in Nigeria.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth, Olamujuwonlo Alao Akala, in his remark, assured that the House would activate recommendations made at the lab for necessary legislative action.
The lab, guided by legal experts and policymakers, analyzed and proposed amendments to key policies affecting women’s rights, including the VAPP Act, National Gender Policy, Child Rights Act and the Nigerian Labour Laws.
Stakeholders also emphasized accountability, inclusivity and effective implementation of government policies as they affect women.
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