The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday opposed the application for a live broadcast of proceedings at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal filed by Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
INEC counsel, A.B Mahmud, said the call was unnecessary, adding that It will defeat the essence of administration of justice.
Mr Mahmud said the court is a public place and already accessible to the public, asserting it is needless to still broadcast proceedings in real-time.
According to him, the live televised of the tribunal proceedings is subject to rigorous legal restrictions, in the jurisdictions where it is practised.
Mahmud noted that live-streaming is not the same as televising.
“Bringing cameras into the courtroom will defeat the solemn atmosphere of the courtroom. The courtroom is not for theatrics. It is for serious business,” he explained.
INEC while disagreeing with Atiku’s argument that the matter was of “monumental importance” and that real-time broadcast would show seriousness and commitment on the part of lawyers, INEC said lawyers and jurists were already committed and did not need the additional pressure of having cameras in their faces in the course of their job.
