Osuntokun Frown at the Composition of Electoral Tribunal by CJN

A prominent member of the Labour Party, Akin Osuntokun, has condemned the composition of the Electoral Tribunal by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwiola.

In an interview with African Independent Television’s (AIT) Kaakaki programme, Osuntokun who served as the Secretary General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Electoral Commission, expressed concern over the lack of transparency and fairness in the composition of the jury. 

Osuntokun who believed that the committee should have been formed before the elections to ensure fairness and objectivity, noted that such practice deepens the culture of people’s suspicion of the judiciary and increases mistrust between Nigerians and the judiciary. 

He questioned the common practice of putting off important things now so you can logically anticipate what you need to do next, reminding the chief justice that such matters would inevitably be on his desk and he should anticipate this by setting up an electoral commission before the election. 

Osuntokun said his disagreement over the composition of the Electoral Tribunal indicates the deep distrust of the Nigerian people towards the institutions of the state, adding that his call for transparency and accountability in the judiciary is central to the effective democratic governance of Nigeria.

Finally, the judiciary must earn the public’s trust, which is essential because it is the last hope of national justice. Nigeria’s ability to maintain its democracy depends heavily on the judiciary’s ability to dispense justice expeditiously, transparently and impartially,” he declared.