A retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Peter Ige, yesterday, advocated for the conclusion of pre and post election matters before the swearing in of winners of election in the country.
This is just as he called for the decentralisation of the Supreme Court for more effective administration of justice.
Ige of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, who made the call yesterday at the Valedictory Court Session, held in his honour at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, said concluding the election matters before swearing in would enhance the sustenance of democracy in the country.
According to him, by concluding the post-election matters before the winners are sworn in, it would be of mutual benefit to all the stakeholders in the electoral process and adjudication. He also stated that pre-election matters should be concluded before the general elections.
He said: “As the name implies pre-election matters instituted and determined before the holding of elections conducted by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
“It is strongly suggested and advocated that pre-election matters be determined before the holding of general election and post-election matters ought to be determined to finality before the winner of an election is sworn in into office for the mutual benefit of all the stakeholders in electoral process and adjudication.”
He maintained that there is nothing wrong if the Supreme Court have divisions in the six geopolitical zones of the country just like the Court of Appeal, noting that this would lessen the burden on the Court.
The retired Justice added that by decentralising the Supreme Court it would help to bring justice to the grassroots, stating that the Courts of Appeal would serve the division of the Supreme Court that are in the zones.
He lamented that the Court of Appeal have been depleted due to retirements and death which make the work load of the intermediate court very heavy, stating that more Justices should be appointed to complement the present 90 Justices of the Court of Appeal.
He also said that there is need for all pre and post election matters to be determined before swearing in of winners in a particular election.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, in her remarks, described Justice Ige as a remarkable individual and legal icon who deserved to be celebrated.
Justice Dongban-Mensem, who was represented by the Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, noted that Justice Ige exemplified the virtue of fairness, integrity, diligence and deep commitment to upholding principle of justice expected of a judicial officer, adding that his contributions to legal community extended beyond the courtroom ad he shares his wealth of experiences and expertise knowledge through numerous paper presentations and legal consultations.
She added that the willingness of the retired Justice to impact wisdom and guide aspiring legal professionals has left an indelible impact on the next generation of lawyers.
She then thanked him for his impactful, dedicated and selfless services to law and justice, stating that his legacy would continue to inspire generations while his wisdom and guidance will be cherished by all who had privileged of working with him.
