The Court of Appeal has explained why it relocated the Osun State governorship election petition tribunal from Osogbo, the state capital, to Abuja.
The spokesperson of the Court of Appeal, Sa’adatu Musa, offered the explanation on Sunday.
The tribunal was set up to hear cases arising from the September 22 and 27 governorship poll in the state.
Gboyega Oyetola of All Progressives Congress was declared the winner of the poll, with the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ademola Adeleke, challenging the outcome.
The recently reshuffled three-member panel was moved to FCT High Court No 24, Apo Abuja on Saturday following the directives of President of the Court of Appeal, Zainab Bulkachuwa.
Musa said of the development: “It is constitutional.
“The president (of the Court of Appeal) has the power to constitute a panel and to use that same discretion if she feels a need for safety so that there will be peace.
“If there’s a flash point or there would be trouble or insecurity of the judges, will you want to expose your judges if you are the one?
“Because of this, once in a while (the president exercises the power) and for peace to reign.
“Let there be no interference and so as to maintain peace and order amidst tensed politics.”
“You could remember in 2016 when she (the president of the court) relocated some tribunals back to Abuja from Port Harcourt.
“For example, during the (Nyesom) Wike and (Rotimi) Amaechi issue, she moved them back to Abuja so that they can stay in a peaceful environment.
“You could remember in Ekiti where a judge was slapped.”
Asked if the relocation will not be termed a political move by the opposition party, Musa said: “They have always thought otherwise.
“During the PDP time, APC were accusing Her Lordship that she is Peoples Democratic Party.
“Now it is APC, time and PDP members are accusing that she is a member of APC.
“Human beings cannot please human beings but for the sake of democracy, she is a very humane leader and a thoughtful person.
“She thinks beyond us.
“She supports democracy and for democracy to thrive, it has to be in a peaceful atmosphere.
“We can’t endanger the lives of our judges.
“Everything is done in an open court.
“It is just that we are politically impatient and not seeing reasons why she took that step.
“It was not to please anybody.
“She swore to an oath between herself and her God.
“So, what will she gain at this time to cause chaos?”