Group to NJC: Transfer Post-Election Cases to Abuja, ‘Douse Political Tension’ in Delta

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

A group, the Niger Delta Comrades Assembly (NDCA), has called on the Nigerian Judicial Commission (NJC) to relocate pending election appeal cases as well as the appeal judges to Abuja in order to douse what it called observed post-election political tension in Delta State.

The group stated this at a press conference in Asaba, saying that the strategic place of Delta State justified the plea.

The NDCA stressed that the call had become necessary in order to avert possible breakdown of law and order prompted by agitations over post-election matters, particularly over election appeal cases.

The litany of cases often generated by elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has become worrisome, just as the last general election in the country “gave birth to several electoral litigations by the candidates across board,” it said.

The numerous post-election disputes and litigations have really set tongues wagging as to the integrity of the national electoral agency as unbiased umpire, it further noted.

“Today, we are not here to talk about the free and fairness of our elections, but to point out an issue that should be handled swiftly and carefully by the government of Nigeria to avert unnecessary agitations that may lead to breakdown of law and order.”

In a press statement, signed by Hon. Lebari Young and Hon. Hamilton Ubido, the National Speaker and National Clerk, respectively, NDCA expressed optimism that the NJC will look seriously and favourably at its patriotic demand.

“As a group, the Niger Delta Comrades Assembly has observed with keen attention the brewing political tension in Delta State following election tribunal verdicts passed in the state. While some political pundits are jubilating, some are sad and angry in view of the verdicts.

“Post-election litigations in Nigeria have become as constant as the Northern star, which verily questions the integrity of our electoral umpires, which is not supposed to be so,” the group said.

Throwing more light on the diverse interests often generated by the rich resources of Delta State, especially with its premium position as Nigeria’s leading oil and gas producer, the NDCA argued that special attention should be paid to post-election litigations in the state.

“Elections and post-election violence is nothing new in Delta State. Delta State produces approximately 40 per cent of Nigeria’s oil. According to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), 13 per cent of federal revenue from natural resources is returned to the state from which it came, on a “derivation” basis. 

“Delta State is thus the richest state in the Nigerian federation, and control of its government structures is a major prize both for the individuals and the political parties concerned.

“Historically, among the main causes of the 2003 fighting in Delta State (as in 1999) have been disputes over the manner in which state and federal elections would be run, and the lack of confidence in the institutions responsible for resolving those disputes and ensuring the vote would be free and fair. 

“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.”

However, it said the observed political tension was not only in Delta but other states across the nation as well, appealing to politicians who lost election to give peace a chance.

“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.

“Furthermore, we call on politicians who have lost at the tribunals to prepare for the next round of elections, rather than inflaming passions.”