Abuja- The U.S. Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday tasked Nigeria’s judiciary to preserve the integrity of the electoral process in the country.
The Counsellor for Public Affairs of the Embassy, Ms Victoria Sloan, gave the challenge at a digital video conference entitled: “Judiciary’s Responsibility to Credible Electoral Process.’’
The conference featured Justice James Wynn, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeal and three Federal Capital Territory High Court judges, namely Justices Ishaq Bello, Peter Affen and Adebukunola Banjoko.
Sloan said the conference was in the spirit of promoting fair and transparent elections as election tribunals were expected to hear cases challenging the results of the forthcoming general elections.
She said “the people of Nigeria and Nigeria’s friends around the world look forward to the 2015 general elections.
“And they have deeply invested in ensuring that the presidential and parliamentary elections are not only free, fair and credible, but also free from violence.
“In all democracies, post-election litigation in courts play critical role in checking post-election violence.’’
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The counsellor said Wynn’s participation as the featured speaker would highlight the significance of the judiciary in upholding credible electoral process.
According to her, the discussion will foster dialogue between a U.S. judge and his Nigerian counterparts interested in credible and non-violent elections under the rule of law.
“This session is one of the many ways in which the U.S. is demonstrating strong commitment to supporting Nigeria’s goal of free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.
“We have been working closely with INEC to ensure that the process is transparent, well-monitored and secured.’’
The envoy commended INEC, the Federal Government and the electorate over the Ekiti and Osun elections, saying they are solid examples of commitment and respect for the electoral process.
“As representatives of a fellow democracy that is a great friend and partner of Nigeria, I eagerly await your massive democratic exercise in the next few weeks.
“I have no doubt that it will be boisterous, loud and hotly contested.
“Let us also make sure that the elections remain free of violence, offering a conducive environment for Nigeria’s court system to settle disputes.’’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wynn challenged Nigeria’s judiciary to be independent, highly impartial, consistent and timely in adjudicating electoral disputes.
In his perspective on the judiciary’s responsibility to credible electoral process in Nigeria, Justice Bello of the FCT High Court, said “Nigeria’s judiciary is independent and distinct from the executive.’’
Bello, however, condemned what he termed “presumption of irregularities” and other frivolous accusations against the judiciary.
He said the President of the Court of Appeal had inaugurated judges who have high competencies, integrity and impartiality for the elections petitions tribunals. (NAN)