S/East insecurity: Election tribunals urged to deliver judgements virtually

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has been urged to direct election tribunals in the South East zone to deliver their judgements virtually, following security threats in the region.

Addressing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, Coordinator of National Coalition Against Terrorism (NCAT), Terrence Kuanum, said some criminal elements were preparing to foment trouble, cause chaos and unrest if the judgement does not favour their interests, especially in Abia State.

He said, “We are all aware of several threats to life and property in the South East. In the last 10 years, we have witnessed massive destruction of police stations. Our police personnel no longer go to work because their lives are consistently under threat and our prison facilities have not also been spared by the activities of these terrorists. Markets have been severally closed in the South East on the directive of these terrorist groups.

“For us, it is therefore an issue of concern that our judicial personnel who are assigned to carry out the patriotic duty at the various election tribunals across the South East might come under threat considering the activities of the terrorists within the region.

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“We, therefore, request that the Chief Justice of the Federation immediately directs all tribunal judgments in the South East to deliver their judgements through electronic means to save the judges involved in this patriotic assignment from coming under threat or even losing their lives.

“Further risking the life of these judges will bring their rulings to disrepute knowing so well that they are under threat and might have delivered their judgment under duress to save their lives.