30 days enough to do away with election cases, Anglican Bishop tells Nigerian courts

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

Bishop Timothy Yahaya of the Diocese of Kaduna Anglican Communion, Cathedral Church of St. Michael’s has called on judges handing the 2023 presidential election petitions to hasten up and conclude the matter before swearing in on May 29.

Answering questions from newsmen, yesterday, after his Easter message, Yahaya said the speed with which the judiciary in Kenya dispensed with litigations arising from petitions on its presidential election, and legally declared a winner before the handover date was worthy of emulation by Nigerian judges.

He said 30 days was enough to deal with all election petitions by Nigerian courts before the hand over date of May 29, putting into consideration how similar feat was achieved by Kenya Supreme Court last year which confirmed William Ruto as winner of the country’s disputed presidential election following a petition by the opposition and election officials.

“A country like Kenya did not swear in a president, the judiciary swung into action and did away with post election cases before swearing in date. What is wrong with Nigeria; are we delaying because we want to collect allowances, are we delaying because corruption has eaten everything, there is nothing difficult about this case, in less than 30 days we can disperse of this case. Election was finished in February, swearing in will be by the end of May, and yet the cases have not been heard, so for me what is not in Nigeria constitution is not in Nigeria constitution,” said Yahaya.

Asked if there was hope for the people as INEC has been accused of manipulating the last general elections, Yahaya said:”As far as I am concerned, INEC comes, INEC goes. And I know that INEC is not the final arbiter. Now there is an acid test in the floor of the court. How the courts deal with the matters before them will tell the common man whether there is still hope.”

The cleric said Nigerians are looking for leaders that would salvage the economy, secure the land and provide basic infrastructure like roads, schools, and hospitals.