A notable lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has backed the clamour for live televising coverage of the presidential election tribunal proceedings.
Falana made the comment while fielding questions on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics following calls by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, for the proceedings of the tribunal to be broadcast live to the viewing audience.
Falana argued that doing so will put the judiciary in good light and make the process transparent.
“I have always campaigned for that and that is the trend in Africa. In Ghana and Kenya, the proceedings are televised because judges should have nothing to hide. They should invite the media and the members of the public,” he said.
“Once there is order in the court, everybody should be part of it. We are all part of the election and so the decision of the court on the election should not be shrouded in secrecy.”
While reiterating that televising the proceedings will enhance judicial credibility, Falana said that such a suggestion deserves attention from the authorities.
“It is in the interest of our judges, and the public. And again, it enhances the credibility of the judiciary,” Falana said, adding:
“I am very sure that the suggestion will be seriously considered.”