The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, and the president-elect, Bola Tinubu has rejected the request for a live broadcast of the proceedings of the presidential election petition tribunal.
Recall that the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the request on May 7.
Chris Uche counsel for Atiku and the PDP, said: “There is no single legislative or statutory position against it.”
Adding that a live broadcast doesn’t necessarily mean the faces of the justices would be shown.
“We urge your lordship to refuse this application,” prayed A.B Mahmud, INEC’s lawyer. “It is unnecessary and uncalled for. It will defeat the essence of administration of justice.
“We don’t want to be put under additional pressure of cameras beaming in our faces.”
“In all the jurisdictions that I’m aware of, live-streaming is not the same as televising it. In other countries, It is controlled by the court,” INEC argued.
President-elect Bola Tinubu, represented by Wole Olanipekun, said he is surprised by the application.
“Bringing cameras into the courtroom will defeat the solemn atmosphere of the courtroom. The court is not a stadium or a crusade ground. It is not a theatre or circus, It is for serious business.”
The court adjourned the case to Friday, May 19, for continuation.
