Nigerian Senior Advocate Kayode, Adeluola has proposed that elections be held a year before swearing-in to end all litigation about the elections and prevent any misunderstanding.

Adeluola, who was a guest on Politics Today on Channels Television on Thursday, 22 August 2024, suggested while highlighting the necessity of judicial reforms that the recently retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola be supported in his decision.

“I will also suggest that our elections ought to be held well in advance of the swearing-in ceremony. Before the day of swearing-in, all cases will be heard and decided, according to Adeluola. To avoid any haste and to ensure that there are no questions about failing to file paperwork within the allotted 21 days, I will propose holding the swearing-in one year before the court and tribunal proceed.

The SAN concurred with the former CJN that an excessive number of matters that should have ended at the appellate court are pending before the Supreme Court.

He stated that some situations, such as those involving governorship elections, ought to be resolved at the Court of Appeal and that eventually, people are going to get used to it.

Speaking at a valedictory session held in his honor on Thursday, Justice Ariwoola stated that the length of time it takes to decide cases has been partly caused by the lack of access to justice, as attorneys and plaintiffs must wait years to get their cases resolved. He clarified that the only way the right to a fair trial can be ensured is if attorneys and plaintiffs do not have to wait an excessive amount of time to have their cases heard. He also emphasized the necessity of having additional judges on the bench so that cases can be decided quickly.

Read Also: Venezuela’s Supreme Court Confirms Maduro’s Disputed Reelection