In the sake of transparency and integrity, Falana joined NBA President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, in requesting that the judiciary for the proceedings to be aired live to Nigerians.
The NBA President emphasized that broadcasting the proceedings live is in the interest of the Nigerian people when making the decision on Friday, March 24, 2023. This is because Section 36(1) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria already stipulates that judicial proceedings must be conducted in public.
“Providing public access to the proceedings would meet the aspirations of the public to participate in the process,” Maikyau was quoted as saying.
While adding his voice to the call, Falana during a Channels Television program, ‘Sunday Politics,’ of Sunday, March 26, 2023, said Nigerian judges should have nothing to hide.
He noted that the new trend in Africa now is for election tribunal proceedings to be televised live so that citizens who were part of the voting process can also be part of the decision of the court on the election.
Falana’s words: “I have always campaigned for that and that is the trend now in Africa. In Ghana, the proceedings are televised. In Kenya, the proceedings are televised because judges should have nothing to hide.
“Invite the media, invite members of the public, once there is order in the court, everybody should be part of it because we’re all part of the election. And so, the decision of the court on the election should not be shrouded in secrecy.
“For that reason, I support the call by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) that the proceedings should be televised. It’s in the interest of our judges. It’s in the interest of the public. And again, it enhances the credibility of the judiciary and I’m very sure that the suggestion will be seriously considered.”