I Must Confess That the Judgments Delivered by the Tribunal Are Unassailable – Joseph Nwobike, SAN
In a recent interview with THE PUNCH, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, shared his perspective on the Wednesday judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
Dr. Nwobike emphasized the need for further clarification on several issues and cautioned against prematurely predicting the outcome of an appeal to the Supreme Court.
He praised the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, describing it as a genuine reflection of principles governing Nigerian election litigation. He underscored its foundation in a comprehensive understanding of evidence and legal submissions, stating, “I must confess that the Judgments delivered by the Tribunal are unassailable. The basis for the resolution of all the issues of law and facts formulated by the parties is consistent with the body of judicial precedents on all the points. The decisions are, therefore, correct.”
Regarding the live broadcast of Court proceedings, the senior lawyer commended the Court of Appeal for introducing live streaming, emphasizing its role in ensuring transparency. Dr. Nwobike also acknowledged the professionalism of the justices involved.
Dr. Nwobike noted that parties dissatisfied with the judgment retain the right to appeal to the Supreme Court. He highlighted key Tribunal decisions and expressed confidence in the parties’ willingness to respect the court’s rulings.
Concerning the Issue of 25% of votes in the FCT, he supported the Tribunal’s reasoning, emphasizing its role in preventing constitutional crises and practical challenges in electoral processes.
When asked about the likelihood of the judgment being upturned at the Supreme Court, he explained that an appeal to the Supreme Court is inevitable due to the numerous issues raised in the ruling that require further clarification. However, he cautioned against premature conclusions about the outcome, emphasizing that the law would determine the Supreme Court’s decision.
In conclusion, Dr. Nwobike expressed appreciation for the diligence and industry displayed by the learned justices of the Tribunal in delivering the judgments. He believed that these decisions would serve as valuable guides for lawyers, administrators, and politicians involved in electoral processes in Nigeria and beyond.
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