Ozekhome tasks judiciary on fairness over election matters

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Professor Mike Ozekhome has tasked the judiciary on fairness in the resolution of electoral disputes to safeguard the integrity, fairness and legality of electoral processes by interpreting and applying electoral laws to address conflicts that emerge during elections.

Ozekhome who spoke at Gregory University Uturu (GUU) Abia State where he delivered its 9th Convocation Lecture titled “The Judiciary As The Final Arbiter Of Electoral Outcomes: Aberrations And Judgements Without Justice” said that the judiciary occupies an undeniably pivotal position in the democratic framework as the arbiter of electoral justice, standing as both a shield and a sword in the pursuit of free and fair elections.

Sixteen out of the 190 graduated with First Class degrees of the GUU during that Saturday Convocation ceremony that featured 240 postgraduates, including three postgraduate diplomas, seven Masters and five doctors of philosophy (P.hD).

Ozekhome, and former Nigeria’s Power Minister Barth Nnaji were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees with professor Evaristus Anyaehie as emeritus professor.

He added that this crucial function of the judiciary not only upholds the rule of law but also reinforces public confidence in the democratic process, providing a sense of order and justice when tensions run high.

“By providing a platform to resolve electoral grievances, the Judiciary reinforces the rule of law and public trust in democratic institutions. Yet, this increasingly critical function presents a paradox and that while judicial intervention often strengthens democracy, it also risks undermining its core principles when not carefully managed,” he said.

Addressing and congratulating the graduates, while the Chancellor Mr Okechukwu Gregory Ibe Jnr. charged them to reflect on their journey, pursue their purpose, be innovative and resilient, have a heart of service and gratitude, the Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Cele Njoku counseled them not to forget their Al Mater “as we have the tradition of lifting our past and present students in prayers.”

The VC, who said that the 12-years-old GUU has witnessed appreciable growth in its academic profile, attributed its rapid growth to response to the needs of its immediate environment.

Immediate past VC professor Augustine Uwakwe who is now the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, said that education is more than just a means to a career but a key to unlocking opportunities and urged the graduates to, as they step into their next phase of life, carry with them the values of curiosity, integrity and passion for lifelong learning.