From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The Niger Delta Comrades Assembly (NDCA) has stressed the need for the National Judicial Council (NJC) to relocate the hearing of all appeals arising from judgements of election petition tribunal in Delta State to Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The group said judgements on the various petitions filed by dissatisfied candidates and parties at the tribunal in Asaba were already generating tension.
Saying that Delta State has in the past experienced such political tension which degenerated into violence, the group also emphaised the need to protect Court of Appeal justices at all cost as well as uphold the sanctity of the judiciary at all times.
Addressing journalists in Asaba, Speaker of the group, Lebari Young, explained that the political tension in Delta is not unconnected to it’s wealth, adding that the struggle to control of its government structures has become a major prize both for the individuals and the political parties concerned.
Flanked by the Clerk, Hamilton Ubido and others, Mr. Young said violence in the state stemmed from the lack of confidence in the institutions saddled with the responsibility of resolving election disputes.
“What we do not want as a group in the state, is aggrieved persons hijacking the peace and tranquility currently being enjoyed in Delta State as there seems to be growing tension in the camp of those who lost to their opponents at the various tribunals.
“It is on this note that the Niger Delta Comrades Assembly is calling on the Nigerian Judicial Commission (NJC) to relocate all Election Tribunal Appeal Hearings in Delta State to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“The political tension is not only in Delta State but can be sensed in some states across the country.
“We believe as a group that our Justices must be protected at all cost and the sanctity of the judiciary must be upheld at all times.
“We also know that the best way to do this is through the protection of esteemed wigs of the judiciary.
“Furthermore, we call on politicians who have lost at the tribunals to prepare for the next round of elections, rather than inflaming passions.
“We look forward to the kind and swift response of the NJC’s leadership, in order to avert unnecessary agitations that may degenerate to breakdown of law and order in the state,” he stated.