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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 27844, member: 2262"] The Benue State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal stopped all meetings for the time being. They made this choice after they got court papers from the Federal High Court in Makurdi. Last Friday, that court told them not to meet at NBA House in Abuja or anywhere outside Benue State. Judge R.K. Egbe ordered any plans for tribunal meetings outside Benue State must wait until further notice. Their decision came right after people started protesting at NBA headquarters in Abuja. These protesters spoke against moving the tribunal and asked for it to return to Benue State right away. They also wanted lawyers to stop working with anyone involved since they believed the Chief Judge of Benue State was breaking the rules and hurting the courts through personal feelings instead of justice. Sunday, Ameh, who represents some people in the case, talked to reporters at NBA House. He confirmed the panel told them about stopping meetings in Abuja because of the court order. He mentioned everyone would wait to hear when new meeting dates might happen. Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia had asked residents to stay away from tribunal locations in Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo due to safety issues. The governor claimed his instructions aimed to protect judges, lawyers, and everyone else taking part in these legal meetings. To help with safety, Alia also banned protests, group gatherings without permission, and selling things near these places. His spokesperson warned anyone who ignored these rules would face consequences. These tribunals handle disagreements from local government elections that happened on October 5, 2024. Reports show 93 people who lost elections have filed cases since October 17, 2024. These unhappy candidates come from both major political parties—the All Progressives Congress and the People's Democratic Party. The cases continue to create tension as the tribunal figures out the next steps after being ordered back to Benue State from its temporary location in Abuja. [/QUOTE]

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