Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, urged Nigerian judges and the judiciary to always be fair and just in the dispensation of justice to reduce the number of litigations by politicians, who intend to manipulate the process after losing elections.
Jonathan stated this at the inauguration of the new ultramodern State High Court Headquarters in Asaba, Delta State
He said political parties and their candidates always approached the court when they did not even do well in the elections, seeking favour at the court by manipulating the process.
“Nigerians are always expecting the best from the judiciary. The difference between South Africa and Nigeria is that if a South African loses an election and goes to court, it is very strange. But if a Nigerian politician loses an election and you don’t go to court, it is very strange.
“Fifty per cent of people who go to court, go to court because they felt they were cheated by the electoral management system, they were rigged out and when you feel aggrieved, naturally, you have to go court.
“So, assuming the elections were properly conducted, that 50 per cent, naturally will not go to court, the next 50 per cent that go to court know they failed election, but they think they can use the judiciary to declare them winners.”
Earlier, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the completion of the High Court building was in line with his commitment to the completion of projects inherited from previous administrations.
Oborevwori said 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”.
In his remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, represented by the presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division, Justice Bolaji Yusuf, commended the state government for providing the edifice as a temple of justice in the state and urged other states to emulate Delta State.
The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Theresa Diai, said the completion of the modern edifice was a testament and enduring commitment to the pursuit of justice and excellence in the judiciary.
She said the new High Court Complex had internet access and other critical Information Technology (IT) facilities to enhance the e-filing of court processes and e-payments for services rendered by the High Court of Justice.
