Arewa Group Urges NJC to Relocate Election Appeal Cases to FCT Amid Rising Tensions

• Arewa Youths Alliance appeals to the Nigerian Judicial Commission (NJC) to relocate election appeal cases and judges to Abuja
• They emphasize the potential for reduced electoral violence and the judiciary’s role in ensuring a level playing field

While growing post-election political tensions in several states, the Arewa Youths Alliance For Progress And Development, a prominent Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has issued a compelling appeal to the Nigerian Judicial Commission (NJC). They are advocating for relocating pending election appeal cases and the respective appeal judges to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

This appeal was made during a press conference held in Abuja on Sunday.

Ambassador Umar Bala Babayaro, the Convener of the Arewa Youths Alliance For Progress And Development, emphasized the urgency of this request, citing concerns over potential lawlessness fueled by post-election disputes, particularly in relation to election appeal cases.

Babayaro expressed confidence in the NJC’s willingness to consider their patriotic plea carefully.

The CSO articulated their standpoint, stating, “Elections often generate controversy by their very nature. It is reasonable to assume that having a dedicated mechanism to adjudicate election-related grievances and suspected violations could significantly diminish the incentive for engaging in electoral violence.”

The group further asserted, “If electoral stakeholders believe that irregularities can be impartially addressed in a dedicated venue, they may be less inclined to resort to violence to achieve victory.”

“In situations where electoral participants perceive a lack of viable avenues to resolve problematic elections, there is a higher likelihood of resorting to intimidation, harassment, and physical altercations to secure electoral success.”

Highlighting the crucial role of the judiciary, they emphasized, “The judiciary’s primary responsibility is to establish and maintain a level playing field for all political actors. This can be best achieved by creating an environment where fair hearing and protection principles for both the Bar and the Bench are unwavering.”

In conclusion, the CSO made an earnest appeal to key authorities, including the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Office of the President of the Court of Appeal, and the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria:

• To relocate Election Appeal Hearings and cases in Delta State, Kano State, and other states prone to political tension and violence to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
• To temporarily relocate Appeal Court Justices assigned to Election Tribunal Appeal Cases in Delta State, Kano State, and other tension-prone states to Abuja for the duration of the hearings.
• To instruct all relevant Security Agencies to initiate investigations into post-election tensions across the country.
• To ensure comprehensive security measures within the premises of Appeal courts and during Election Appeal hearings in Abuja.

The CSO concluded by expressing their hope that if these concerns are addressed, the foundations of Nigeria’s young democracy will be significantly reinforced.