The prelate of the
Methodist Church of Nigeria, Sunday Ola Makinde, has called on members
of the election tribunals, which have begun the hearing of petitions
from the just-concluded elections, to ensure fairness, transparency and
justice.
Mr Makinde spoke
on this issue at the opening of the 29th Council of Bishops holding in
Sagamu, Ogun State, where he stated that the only way to ensure that
all aggrieved parties who might have legitimate claims are pacified and
to validate the victory of those who righteously earned them is to
establish a painstaking process that will be transparent, just and
capable of strengthening our democracy.
“The country in
the last few weeks has witnessed some of the freest and fairest
elections in her history. But like every imperfect institution, there
must have possibly been some fairly disputable ones, which is why the
opportunity to seek legal redress has been available through the
election tribunals. It behooves on members of these tribunals to do
everything possible to ensure justice is done in these cases. They must
be above board and adhere strictly to their professional ethics and the
oath which they swore to.
“The outcome of
these tribunals matter a lot to guaranteeing the final dot of
credibility the 2011 general elections require, based on its overall
success as adjudged by local and international observers.”
He therefore
concluded that “It is not merely of some importance but is of
fundamental importance, that justice should not only be done, but
should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.”
Tainted judiciary
The cleric pointed
out that the judiciary must do everything possible to clear itself in
the court of public opinion, considering the enormity of the
accusations and counter-accusations that have rocked the institution in
its recent past, beclouding its many achievements and strides.
Mr Makinde opined
that the tribunal seating presents the judiciary with the perfect
opportunity to win back the public and entrench sanity into its ranks,
if there were any form of culpability or complicity. He enjoined the
tribunals not to delay justice and work in a timely fashion.
“Over the years, the election petition tribunals have been
impressive. To be factual about it, some of their actions have been so
unprecedented, which has indeed restored hope in our judicial system. I
will, however, recommend that they should work harder on fair hearing
and justice in a more timely fashion because the popular saying,
‘Justice delayed is justice denied,’ seems to be an important watchword
for effective judicial system. They must avoid corruption of any form
as such will deny the just and give undue advantage to those who are
undeserving of it,” he added.
