A lawyer Barrister Anderson Asemota, has commended the order of the FCT High Court on March 14, 2025 allowing the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal and Benue State Appeals Tribunal to continue its proceedings at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House Abuja, rather than relocating to its original location.
Blueprint reports that the tribunal, tasked with hearing appeals related to the local government elections in Benue state, had been facing challenges that threatened to disrupt its proceedings.
With less than 20 days left to conclude its work, the tribunal’s ability to complete its task was at risk due to security concerns in Benue state.
However, speaking with Blueprint in Abuja, Sunday, on the outcome of the court ruling by Justice M.M. Adamu, Asemota said the court’s decision in Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/974/2025 was a victory for the petitioners, who had taken their grievances to the tribunal.
He noted that the constitution guarantees the right to a fair hearing, and that the tribunal’s proceedings were time-bound, with a strict 180-day deadline to complete its work.
The lawyer, with a track record in election-related cases, explained that the court’s ruling was designed to safeguard the petitioners’ rights and ensure that the tribunal could complete its work without interruption.
“By allowing the tribunal to remain in Abuja, the court has provided a critical safeguard against potential disruptions and ensured that justice could be served.
“The court’s decision is a straightforward application of the constitution and the rule of law. By upholding the petitioners’ rights and ensuring the tribunal’s proceedings could continue uninterrupted, the court had demonstrated its commitment to justice and the democratic process,” he said.
Blueprint reports that the case was adjourned to April 29, 2025, for hearing of the Motion on Notice.