Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Criticizes Judiciary’s Role In Election-Disputes (Details)

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Criticizes Judiciary’s Role In Election-Disputes (Details)

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has said that many politicians would not approach the court if the judiciary were fair and upright in tackling election disputes.

Jonathan made this statement on Tuesday in Asaba, Delta State, at the inauguration of the state’s new High Court Complex.

“My thinking is that 50 per cent of those who go to court go to court because they felt they were cheated by the electoral management system; they were rigged out,” he remarked.

“When you feel naturally aggrieved, you have to go to court. So assuming the elections are properly conducted, they know they failed the election, but they feel they can use the judiciary to declare them winners.

“If the judiciary doesn’t declare who doesn’t win the election that they are winners, that many 50 per cent will not go to court.

“In South Africa, the electoral management body will never compromise, they all know. If you lose the election, you just wait for the next election. You don’t need to go to court.

“Because if you go to court, the judiciary too will not compromise. So you will not get anything,” he said.

The former President applauded the government of Delta State for its efforts in enhancing the working environment of judicial officers. He also commended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his administration’s focus on infrastructural development and commitment to completing projects initiated by previous governments.

According to him, the project, which was started in 1991, is proof of the government’s dedication to continuity and development.

“There are some projects that are very fundamental to the growth and development of the state. We expect anybody who takes over the government to continue them, and you are doing exactly that,” Jonathan said.