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After the lackluster or below average performance of the electoral umpire (INEC) in the conduct of the 2023 polls, the attention of Nigerians has been shifted to the courts to decide the winner of the disputed election results. If the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had observed due diligence and plugged all loopholes that aid rigging and manipulation, the number of cases of disputed elections now at the tribunals would not be plenty. If INEC had transmitted all election results in real time as it promised and boasted before the 2023 polls, Nigerians would have been saved many litigations emanating from the polls at all levels.
We need to make stronger our democratic institutions so that they can function effectively and efficiently. We need to commence this exercise with INEC and then extend it to the judiciary and others. It is by doing so that our democracy can be strengthened.
Going to court to determine the real outcome of an election in Nigeria is not so easy. At times, it can be messy. At times, the outcome can represent the wishes of the people. In some cases, the opposite happens. That is why legal justice does not necessarily translate to social justice. This is more obvious where the legal system is alien or borrowed from the British Common Law system as opposed to the African concept of justice.
Nigerian legal system is modelled after that of our colonial master, Britain. Although no legal system is perfect, I prefer the African legal system and its concept of justice which is reconciliatory and not necessarily punitive in some matters. I am speaking from the Igbo traditional concept of justice, which ensures justice and equity for all parties to a matter.
Arising from the failure of INEC to do the right thing, the courts will now determine who wins or loses an election. This development is not good for our nascent democracy. After all election disputes must have been resolved, there is perhaps the need to review our electoral laws and make it compulsory that all election matters should be resolved before swearing into office of the winners.
This way, the bitterness and acrimony that trail our elections will be drastically reduced. It will also make the electoral umpire to be more transparent in the conduct of elections. It will equally curb the politicians’ ‘do or die’ approach to politics. Our politicians ‘must win by all means’ approach to politics has introduced warfare into our polls and made our elections more violent and toxic. This ugly development will ultimately truncate our democracy if it is not quickly curbed. It is commendable that the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) has commenced sitting on cases before it.
It is equally good that the Chairman of the five-member panel, Justice Haruna Tsammani, has warned all parties to the election matters to avoid delay tactics and technicalities that could derail speedy dispensation of the petitions before it. The PEPT chairman assured that the members of the panel ‘are determined to look at the matter dispassionately and give justice to whoever deserves it.’ I think the lawyers and those involved in the matter should heed the advice of the Chairman of the PEPT and ensure that justice is delivered on time. In the recent presidential election in Kenya, the election matter was resolved within weeks. Such is yet to happen in Nigeria where election matters drag for years before being resolved, especially presidential election. Let’s hope that this one will be different. We need improvement in our dispensation of justice because justice delayed is justice denied. Many Nigerians are optimistic that justice will be done. But some other Nigerians are skeptical. Their skepticism is borne out of funny judgements that had emanated from our courts over election matters in recent times.
While the matters are being dispensed, governance should not go on holidays. Although the outgoing government is already on leaving the stage mood, it can still do certain things to show that the government is addressing the needs of Nigerians and not necessarily waiting until a new government is inaugurated on May 29. Irrespective of what will happen at the PEPT, Nigerians are looking forward to a new government come May 29.
The incoming administration will face a lot of challenges in almost all sectors. The economy must be its priority. Fixing the economy will rub-off on other sectors such as education and health, which at present are not adequately funded. The power sector challenges need to be addressed too. Many other things in Nigeria depend so much on power to function effectively.
Having adequate electricity supply will aid and improve our industrialization efforts. The epileptic power supply is the major reason our industries are performing below their production levels. It can also explain why some industries have closed down and why some have relocated to Ghana and other neighbouring West African countries. The provision of adequate water supply will also improve sanitation and public health. It will also address the challenge of open defecation, which aids the spread of diseases. It is sad that millions of Nigerians do not have access to potable water. Most Nigerians, especially those in rural areas, depend on unhygienic and polluted water sources for their daily water supply.
Drinking contaminated water is harmful to their health and wellbeing. The new government should tackle the rising unemployment in the country as well as excruciating poverty by creating more and more jobs. It can also provide the enablers that will propel massive job creation. If Nigerian youths are gainfully employed, the unbridled migration to US, UK and Canada will be reduced. The Japa syndrome does not augur well for our socio-economic development.
The new government should bring creativity and imagination into governance. This aspect is virtually lacking at all levels of governance in the country. Like the dancing Senator, Governor Jackson Ademola Adeleke, whose election as the governor of Osun State was affirmed by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, those in government should at times display their good dancing steps. There is nothing wrong with it. Dancing is a good elixir to the heavy demands of governance. It is also a good form of exercise and relaxation.
I urge Governor Adeleke to both dance and work. In fact, more work and less dance this time around. It is laudable that Adeleke has introduced the dance element into governance at executive level. He started it when he was in the Senate. Adeleke should deliver good governance to all people in Osun State, irrespective of party affiliations. Dancing is another way of displaying the human side of those in governance. It should be encouraged. Dancing is not for election campaigns alone. It should be part of governance. After all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
While Nigerians watch the legal fireworks at the PEPT, it is good that the proceedings be broadcast on a live television so that all Nigerians can witness it as being requested by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP). It will make it more transparent. It is a way of carrying Nigerians along in the proceedings. Doing so will rid it of unnecessary secrecy. Nigerians deserve the right to know what happens at the PEPT.
