The Forum of APC Support Groups Leaders has criticized the alleged decision by Benue State’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, to relocate the Benue State Local Government Elections Petition Tribunal from Makurdi to Abuja.
According to Dr. A. K Peters, Director General of the forum, no section of the constitution or laws of Benue State empowers the Chief Judge to move a local government tribunal from the state of jurisdiction to Abuja.
Key Concerns:
- Constitutional Violation: The forum argues that the relocation violates the constitution and laws of Benue State.
- Security Concerns: The Chief Judge cited security reasons for the relocation, but the forum questions this, given that the Judge has been going to his office without security issues.
- Threat to Democracy: The forum sees this as an attempt to undermine the party’s national leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The forum has called on the national leadership of the party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to intervene, stating, “Our party leadership and the presidency must take a stand now before some anti-democratic forces and enemies of our party hijack the ongoing evil plot.”
They emphasized, “We stand by the decision of the party and the confidence reposed on Mr. President and our National Chairman at the just concluded NEC of our party. We insist that Mr. President must save democracy as the decision of the National Working Committee and National Executive Committee must be respected by all party faithful.”
The Benue State government has also denied knowledge of the relocation and assured the public that it can provide adequate security for the tribunal.