Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Nigeria Judiciary to end the incessant post- elections litigations in the country.
The former President gave the charge while inaugurating a multi-million Naira Delta State High Court. The new edifice has been equipped with modern facilities and 24 hours power supply. The project was completed by the Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Inaugurating the High Court, the former President also used the occasion to flag off the presentation of 20 Toyota Prado Sport Utility Vehicles, SUVs, to judges in the State.
Jonathan stated that the project was the third he had inaugurated in the State. He also lauded Governor Oborevwori for continuing and completing his predecessors initiated projects and programmes.
Speaking on the importance of the judiciary in the State, Jonathan said it was good to give and equip the judiciary with the best edifice.
He pointed that judiciary needed to be given the best comfort because Nigerians also expect the best from them.
“I am glad to join the Governor to commission this major project. This is the third project I have commissioned in Delta State.
“I commissioned the State Government House when I was in office and the Federal High Court Complex. So, Governor, thank you for inviting me to be part of this unique ceremony.
Jonathan praised the governor for the completion of the projects. He pointed that completing past administration’s projects would aid growth and development of the State.
“We expect anybody who takes over to continue with the development pace and you are doing that,” Jonathan said.
The former President said that the history of the High Court building project began since 1991. He added that it was on record that with commitment, the Governor was able to complete the project and inaugurate it.
He said that with the inauguration of the edifice, it was a day to celebrate the judiciary.
According to him, the Governor Oborevwori had promised to do more for the judiciary. But as he rightly said, “this is an edifice of justice. Nigerians are expecting the best of the judiciary officers”.
“I just returned from South Africa on Monday, June 2. I was there to observe their election that held on Wednesday, May 29.
“One Nigeria journalists interviewed me and asked, What are the South Africans doing regarding their elections that we Nigerians can emulate. Or what Nigerians are doing that they can emulate?
“I told him that one key difference between South African and Nigeria is that if a South African loses an election, and he goes to court, it is very strange.
“But if a Nigerian loses election and does not go to court. It is very strange.
“In Nigeria, my thinking is that 50 per cent of those who go to court, do so because they felt they where cheated by the electoral management system and were rigged out.
“So, assuming the elections are properly conducted, that set of people will not go to court.
“The next 50 per cent that go to court are those who know they failed election. But they feel they can use the judiciary to declare them winners.
“So, if the judiciary do not declare those who did not win elections winners, that remaining 50 per cent will also not go to court,” he said.
According to him, unlike in Nigeria, in South Africa, the electoral management body would never compromise and they all know that.
“So, if you lose election, you just have to wait for the next election. You don’t need to go to court.
“And if you go to court in South Africa, the judiciary will not compromise. So, nobody goes to court. But I believe we will get there one day in Nigeria
“So, the judiciary should be very strong. They should do right thing so that this avalanche of litigation after elections will stop in this country,” Jonathan said.
The former President congratulated the Governor, The Government and the judiciary of Delta State. He, however, urged the Governor to continue on that trajectory to manage the State resources judiciously.
Gov. Oborevwori in his speech, lauded the past Governors for initiating and awarding the contracts. He praised them for their commitment that enabled the completion of the High Court project which began about 25 years.
He said the completion of the building was in line with his commitment to the completion of projects inherited from previous administrations.
The Governor stated that he was motivated to complete the project because the judiciary was the only arm of government without a befitting building for their operations.
He said the presentation of 20 Toyota Prado SUVs to judges in the State was a fulfillment of “a promise made and a promise kept”.
He also thanked Jonathan for coming to inaugurate the project.
The Governor therefore, described erstwhile President as a great Nigerian patriot, statesman and a unique leader.
He said, “On behalf of the Government and good people of Delta State, I thank you for your friendship, partnership, and sustained interest in the progress of our dear State and Nigeria in general.”
source: Vanguard
