The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, has advised Nigerian judges to be neutral in their adjudication of electoral disputes that may arise from the forthcoming general elections.
Ms Mohammed spoke on Monday at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) ‘state of the nation dialogue on security, economy and administration of justice’ in Abuja.
The event was organised to elicit the manifestos of presidential candidates for the 25 February general election, Premium Times reports.
In a keynote address delivered virtually at the event, Mohammed expressed hope that the presidential candidates “will avoid any actions that could undermine the independence or ability of the judiciary to fulfil its role as defined by the constitution.
“I am certain you will remain impartial arbiters in the discharge of your functions, ensuring fairness in the adjudication of all electoral matters.”
The UN chief emphasised the need “to ensure the protection of electoral and other institutions related to the administration of justice, and to ensure justice is being served.”
She noted that lawyers have a key role to play in advancing Nigeria’s aspirations in its democratic journey.
Mohammed lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improving the transparency and accountability of Nigeria’s electoral process.
