A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kayode Adeluola, has suggested that elections be held in Nigeria one year before swearing-in so as to conclude all litigation concerning the elections and avoid any ambiguity.
Adeluola, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday made the suggestion in support of the just retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, pointing out the need for reforms in the judiciary.
“I will also admonish that we should have our elections well in advance for the time for swearing in. All cases will be held and will be determined well before the date of swearing-in,” Adeluola said.
“So, I will suggest one year before the swearing-in, so that all matters that come before the court and the tribunal will be held and determined well in advance so that there will be no rush – there will be no questions of not filing papers within 21 days.”
The SAN agreed with the former CJN who said that there are too many cases before the apex court which ought to have terminated at the appellate court.
He said that some cases including those involving governorship elections should terminate at the Court of Appeal, adding that with time people with get used to that.
Justice Ariwoola, who spoke at a valedictory session in his honour on Thursday, said access to justice has contributed largely to the delay in the hearing of cases as litigants and lawyers are forced to wait for several years to have their cases decided.
He explained that the right to a fair hearing can only be guaranteed when lawyers and litigants do not have to wait for so long to have their cases heard.
He also stressed the need for the bench to have more judicial officers to adjudicate on all matters timeously.
