You see, some Nigerians are really waiting for the decision of the Election Tribunal before they will acknowledge the victory of President-elect, Bola Tinubu.
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi, has submitted a petition to the Election Tribunal.
His petition is challenging the victory of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the just concluded election.
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is challenging Mr Tinubu’s victory.
The only fact that is known at this point is that a new president would be sworn in on May 29.
Although the Department of States Service (DSS) says certain individuals are plotting to force an interim president on Nigerians.
The DSS, however, has assured Nigerians that it would do everything to ensure that these plots remain a dream.
In this light, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba, has highlighted how this may be prevented.
Impact Of Tribunal Delay
According to Mr Agbakoba, if the Election Tribunal delivers its judgment in time, it could prevent an interim government.
Once the tribunal rules, if any party is not satisfied, they can visit the supreme court.
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The jurist believes that if the judgment is given before the handover, it would reduce the tension in Nigeria.
Judgment Timeline
According to the jurist, the petitions can be expedited and concluded within seven days.
However, this is on the condition that the Presidential Election Tribunal and the Supreme Courts are proactive, says Mr Agbakoba.
“We strongly believe that between the Tribunal and Supreme Court, the petitions can be resolved within seven days from today.
“This will cool the temperature in Nigeria on the issue of interim government,” the lawyer notes in a statement.
“It’s very possible to conclude these petitions, provided that the court systems are very proactive,” says the jurist.
He also advises the relevant courts to adopt the speedy procedures known with cases of arbitration.
Mr Agbakoba explains that under “arbitration matters, procedural orders and or directions issue peremptorily to resolve sometimes very complex jurisdictional and procedural issues”.
He, Therefore, urges the Presidential Election Tribunals to “adapt the procedures very familiar with (the) speedy conclusion of arbitration matters”.
