Olisa Agbakoba, the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has stated that all petitions filed with the electoral tribunal ought to be adjudicated prior to the swearing-in and inauguration of a new president in Nigeria.
On April 5, Agbakoba made this statement while appearing on Arise TV. He asserts that when the petitions before the tribunal are heard and resolved appropriately, the majority of the political disputes raging in Nigeria will be resolved.
He added that it would be preferable if these matters were resolved prior to May 29 in order to avoid future political squabbles in the nation should a president be inaugurated while unresolved petitions remain before the tribunal.
“In order to balance out justice, could we please get these petitions, if they can be resolved before that date?” as he urged the Electoral Tribunal to complete the process as soon as possible.
I can understand Peter Obi’s concern and Datti Mohammed’s outburst if Mr. Tinubu is being sworn in at Eagle’s Square and the petition is hanging in the court of appeal. Where we strike the balance is to give our best possible shots to finish the petitions,” he said
Agbakoba opined that resolving of the petitions before the Inauguration day will take away the questions of the legitimacy of the president who will be sworn-in.
The former NBA president said that the policy that gave electoral candidates 180 days to file a petition was too long.
“The fact that the constitution prescribes a time limit doesn’t mean that time limit must actually run.” he said
Related Video