Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who represents Delta South Senatorial District, has officially requested the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment pertaining to the petition filed against him in the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal. This move comes after the recent verdict by the tribunal that resulted in his removal from office.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas is not content with the tribunal’s decision and seeks to appeal it. However, he has encountered difficulties in obtaining the CTC of the judgment, which is essential for initiating the appeal process.
In a petition addressed to the President of the Court of Appeal in Nigeria and signed by his legal counsel, Robert Emukpoeruo SAN of Summit Law Chambers, Solicitors & Advocates, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas expressed his concerns about the delay in receiving the CTC of the judgment. The petition highlights the importance of expeditiously releasing the CTC, as the timeline for appealing the judgment is constitutionally limited to sixty days from the delivery of the judgment.
The tribunal’s decision had ordered a rerun election in Warri South Local Government Area, a development that Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas intends to challenge through the appeal process. His appeal hinges on obtaining the CTC of the judgment, which is essential for preparing and filing the necessary appeal documents.
In his petition, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas appeals to the President of the Court of Appeal to intervene in the matter and ensure the timely release of the CTC of the judgment. This step is vital to safeguard his constitutionally guaranteed right to appeal and to prevent any undue time constraints on the Court of Appeal in hearing and deciding on his proposed appeal.
The situation underscores the importance of efficient and timely access to legal documents in the pursuit of justice and the protection of individuals’ rights, especially in electoral matters.