*Lauds Delta Gov For Completing Projects Initiated By Predecessors
*Oborevwori Presents 20 SUVs To Judges
BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
A FORMER Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Judiciary to end the numerous post- elections litigations in Nigeria.
Jonathan, who had returned from South Africa where he observed May 29 elections there, gave the charge while inaugurating the multi-million naira State High Court complex equipped with modern facilities and 24-hour power supply, completed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
Recalling an experience, the former President said: “One Nigeria journalists interviewed me and asked what the South Africans were doing regarding their elections that we Nigerians could emulate or what Nigerians are doing that they can emulate?
“I told him that one key difference between South African and Nigeria is that if a South African loses an election and he goes to court, it is very strange. But if a Nigerian loses election and does not go to court, it is very strange.
“In Nigeria, my thinking is that 50 per cent of those who go to court do so because they felt they where cheated by the electoral management system and were rigged out. So, assuming the elections are properly conducted, that set of people will not go to court.
“The next 50 per cent that go to court are those who know they failed election, but they feel they can use the judiciary to declare them winners.
“So, if the judiciary do not declare those who did not win elections winners, that remaining 50 per cent will also not go to court.”
Jonathan said in South Africa, unlike in Nigeria, the electoral management body would never compromise, “so if you lose election, you just have to wait for the next election; you don’t need to go to court. And if you go to court in South Africa, the judiciary will not compromise. So, nobody goes to court, but I believe we will get there one day in Nigeria.
“The judiciary should be very strong and do the right thing, so that this avalanche of litigations after elections will stop in this country.”
While congratulating the governor, government and the judiciary of Delta, he commended Oborevwori over his judicious management of the state’s resources.
The former president also flagged off the presentation of 20 Toyota Prado Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to Judges in the state, saying the project was the third he had inaugurated in the state, lauding Oborevwori for continuing and completing projects and programmes initiated by his predecessors, adding that doing so would engender growth and development of the state.
He said it was good to equip the judiciary with the best edifice and give them the needed comfort, as Nigerians also expect the best from them, adding:“This is an edifice of justice, Nigerians are expecting the best of the judiciary officers.
“I am glad to join the governor to commission this major project, this is the third project I have commissioned in Delta.
“I commissioned the Government House when I was in office and the Federal High Court Complex, so governor, thank you for inviting me to be part of this unique ceremony.”
In his speech, Oborevwori commended his predecessors for initiating the project and for their commitment that enabled its completion about 25 years later, 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, while the presentation of the SUVs to Judges was a fulfillment of a promise he made.
While thanking Jonathan for coming to inaugurate the project, the governor said the former President remained a great Nigerian patriot, statesman and unique leader, in and out of office.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I thank you for your friendship, partnership and sustained interest in the progress of our dear state and Nigeria in general.”
Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Godknows Angele, said the building consists of five floors, six court rooms, six conference halls, six witness waiting rooms, six holding cells, six secretarial offices, two general conference halls, a ceremonial hall, multi-purpose hall, lawyers’ lounge, Judges’ lounge, VIP lounge and a library, among others.
In his remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, represented by the Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division, Justice Bolaji Yusuf, commended the government for providing the magnificent edifice as a temple of justice in the state.
He expressed optimism that other states would emulate the Delta State example by providing similar magnificent temples of justice for the administration of justice.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge (CJ) of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai, thanked Oborevwori and his predecessors for completing the edifice, describing it as a “magnificent testament” and enduring commitment to the pursuit of justice and excellence in the judiciary.
She disclosed that the complex boasts of Internet access and other critical information technology facilities to enhance e-filing of court processes and e-payments for services rendered by the High Court.
