On a day it commenced full hearing, the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal experienced a chaotic situation on Wednesday following sounds of sporadic gun shots near the venue.
The tribunal had adjourned to Wednesday, for the commencement of hearing on the petition filed by Dr Asue Ighodalo and his Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), to challenge the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), as the winner of the 21, September, 2024, election.
However, gunshots near the Tribunal venue in Benin City caused chaos, forcing lawyers, politicians, and reporters to scamper for safety.
The shootings occurred close to the Tribunal venue at the Edo High Court Complex along Sapele Road.
Security personnel quickly intervened, restoring order which enabled the Tribunal proceedings to continue.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable and urging for justice against those responsible.
“The Tribunal is a sacred space where justice should be dispensed impartially. Any act of violence within its confines undermines the very foundation of our legal system and jeopardises the safety of everyone present.”
In a statement Tenebe, blamed the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the shooting incident.
He said: “Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved.
“Regardless of political affiliation, resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable. We must all condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms.
“Violence has no place in a civilized society, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception.”
Seven political parties, including the PDP, SDP, and ZLP, have filed petitions challenging the election outcome.
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