Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed his belief that numerous politicians would refrain from resorting to legal action if the judiciary demonstrated fairness in resolving election disputes.
Jonathan made these remarks during the inauguration of Delta State’s new high court complex in Asaba on Tuesday.
He said, “My thinking is that 50 percent of those who go to court go to court because they felt they were cheated by the electoral management system; they were rigged out.
“When you feel naturally aggrieved, you have to go to court. So, assuming the elections are properly conducted, they know they failed the election, but they feel they can use the judiciary to declare them winners.
“If the judiciary doesn’t declare who doesn’t win the election that they are winners, that many 50 percent will not go to court.
“In South Africa, the electoral management body will never compromise, they all know. If you lose the election, you just wait for the next election. You don’t need to go to court.
“Because if you go to court, the judiciary too will not compromise. So you will not get anything.”
The former president praised the Delta State government for its endeavors to enhance the working conditions of judicial officials.
He also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for prioritizing infrastructural development and ensuring the completion of projects initiated by past administrations.
Jonathan highlighted the significance of the high court complex, which commenced construction in 1991, as a testament to the government’s commitment to continuity and progress.
The former president said, “There are some projects that are very fundamental to the growth and development of the state. We expect anybody who takes over the government to continue them, and you are doing exactly that.
“From the history of the project given by the chief judge of the state and you, this project started in 1991, and you are the one who has crowned it.
“The master of ceremony did mention that when you were the speaker, you returned N500 million unspent money, and I tell you that this certificate you have gotten is more than a PhD certificate.
“It is not easy for a public officer or even a civil servant to refund money to the government. In most cases, it is extremely difficult, but as a speaker, you were able to do that. That shows that you are somebody with a high level of integrity, and you can be trusted.
“Continue to manage the resources of the state in that manner and use the money in a way that will affect the people.”