Jonathan Speaks on Election Disputes

Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has said if the judiciary was fair in election disputes, most politicians would not go to court.

He stated this during the inauguration of the Delta State High Court Complex in Asaba, the state capital.

He also announced the delivery of 20 SUVs to state justices. Speaking at the inauguration, Jonathan praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his emphasis on Delta State’s infrastructure development.

He said: “My thinking is that 50 percent of those who go to court do so because they felt they were cheated by the electoral management system.That they were rigged out.

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

“If the judiciary doesn’t declare who didn’t win an election the winner, over 50 percent of election cases will not go to court.”

Jonathan added that “in South Africa, the electoral management body will never compromise. They all know it. If you lose the election, you just wait for the next election.

Speaking further, Jonathan said: “There are some projects that are very fundamental to the growth and development of the state. And we expect anybody who takes over government to continue with them and you are doing exactly that. 

“I believe that if you go across the country today, this is one of the best judiciary headquarters in the country. And I congratulate the Governor and the judiciary of Delta State for this exemplary project,” he added.

Earlier, Oborevwori stated that: “Of the three arms of government, only the judiciary was lacking a befitting office building.

“This motivated me to hasten the completion of this project. I am glad that today the narrative has changed for good.

“The implication, going forward, is that the cause of justice will now be better served for the greater good of all. 

“As a government, we have taken steps to further ensure that our judges and associated staff not only operate in a conducive and enabling environment but are provided with the necessary tools that complement the functionality and prestige of their offices.” 

 He thanked Jonathan for coming to kick off the initiative. Oborevwori stated that the former President remained a great Nigerian patriot, statesman, and distinctive leader both inside and outside of office.