Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has stated that engaging in post-election litigation is not necessary, News About Nigeria reports.
He said this while speaking during the inauguration of the multi-million naira State High Court edifice equipped with modern facilities and 24-hour power supply in Delta State.
He noted that, as opposed to other countries, candidates who did not win elections in Nigeria always resort to the judiciary, including those who felt they were cheated by the electoral management system and were rigged out, and those who genuinely lost but decided to use the judiciary in their favour.
According to him, it is strange for candidates not to go to court after elections in Nigeria.
”I just returned from South Africa on Monday, June 2, because I was there to observe their election that was held on Wednesday, May 29.
“One Nigeria journalists interviewed me and asked, ‘What are the South Africans doing regarding their elections that we Nigerians can emulate or what Nigerians are doing that they can emulate?’
“I told him that one key difference between South Africa and Nigeria is that if a South African loses an election, and he goes to court, it is very strange.
“But if a Nigerian loses an election and does not go to court, it is very strange,” he said.
He also stated that in South Africa, the judiciary does not compromise, adding that nobody goes to court.
In light of this, Jonathan appealed to the judiciary to be very strong and do the right thing so that the avalanche of litigation after the elections would stop in the country.
The former President commended two governors, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his initiative, stressing that it is good to give and equip the judiciary with the best edifice and to give them the needed comfort because Nigerians also expect the best from them.
