Kemisola Oye
LAGOS State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged Nigerians to desist from casting aspersions on the judiciary, no matter how they feel about the outcome of legal processes.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at the Nigerian Bar Association -Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA- SPIDEL) 2023 Conference.
In his opening remark, the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commended the chairman and members of the NBA-SPIDEL for their chosen theme which he said was timely.
This year’s annual conference of the NBA SPIDEL is themed, “Post Election Nigeria; The Judiciary in the Eye of the Storm”
He said in any democracy, the courts’ decisions provide will and opportunity for those who feel dissatisfied in an electoral contest to seek redress in the court of law.
According to him, “This major provision in the constitution is aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order arising from those who may be aggrieved by the outcome of the elections.
“I commend all political parties and major actors in the just concluded elections for choosing to tread the path of the rule of law and constitutionality by approaching the relevant election petition tribunals to seek redress.
“By this singular and very significant action, our country is on the verge of joining the league of civilized countries of the world where democracy and the rule of law have been entrenched.
“The decision by all parties in the electoral process to explore the legal option, which I believe must be the only option, to a large extent is a reflection of the confidence reposed in the judiciary to dispense justice fairly and equitably.
“As a result, all eyes are now fixated on the members of various tribunals who, like Caser’s wife, are expected to be above board and give decisions that have been brought before them without fear or favour.”
The Lagos State’s number one citizen further stated that it is heart-warming to note that the conference has brought together the bar and the bench and critical stakeholders in the civil society organisation, among other notable personalities who, he said, he believe will engage in the passionate discussion of all the issues that have been outlined with a view to proferring solutions that will further aid the judiciary as the last hope in the electoral process
“It is however important to emphasize the need for us, as citizens, especially, we in the political class, to accept the judgement of the court in good faith after exhausting the options guaranteed by the Constitution. We must also refrain from casting aspersions on the judiciary no matter how we feel about the outcome of the legal process.
“Doing otherwise will amount to running down a key institution charged with the responsibility of upholding the sanctity of the rule of law and democracy. I strongly believe that our collective energy should be channelled towards pushing for necessary reforms that will address the challenges militating against the evolution of the judiciary and our collective desire”
The governor appreciated the Chairman and members of the NBA-SPIDEL for remaining steadfast in discharging the mandate of projecting public interest through the annual flagship conference of the NBA.
Eighteen-Eleven Media