By Chibiko Nwakaudu
I have watched the
judicial terrain as regards the electoral jurisprudence with trepidation and
grave concern. This era is without doubt the worst for those seeking justice in
the several electoral matters that have been brought to the tribunals and some
of the superior courts.
I must make this clarification early. I am not a lawyer. I am just
a right-thinking member of the Nigerian Community who has been dismayed by the
happenings in the hitherto temple of justice. I further declare that the views
here are my personal observations and conclusions, based on my interpretation
of the ugly situation in the country.
Indeed, anyone who is a close observer of the nation’s judicial
system since May 29, would agree that the delivery of justice is facing
un-mitigated challenge and interference from external quarters. The aim of the
interferences are targeted at manipulating the justice system to favour the
political party at the centre, the APC.
Therefore, we have a situation where different tribunals and
appellate courts deliver judgments on the platforms of the political
affiliation of the affected litigants. In other words, the relevant laws,
especially the constitution and the Electoral Act count for nothing. The
judgments being churned out are mere political essays, but backed by the force
of law because those reading the essays wear judicial robes and are constituted
by the relevant judicial authorities.
Otherwise, these judgments on electoral matters, so far, are
merely akin to the permutations of the chairmen of town unions. You know town
union chairmen pass their rulings under the guidance of the powerful members of
the unions, who would have instructed them to do so. Though these town unions
have by-laws, they are hardly referred to.
