Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Professor Mike Ozekhome, has called on the judiciary to uphold fairness in resolving electoral disputes to protect the integrity and legality of elections.

Speaking at Gregory University Uturu (GUU) in Abia State, where he delivered the 9th Convocation Lecture titled “The Judiciary As The Final Arbiter Of Electoral Outcomes: Aberrations And Judgements Without Justice,” Ozekhome emphasized that the judiciary plays a crucial role in the democratic process as both a shield and a sword in ensuring free and fair elections.

Ozekhome pointed out that the judiciary’s role in addressing electoral grievances not only strengthens the rule of law but also fosters public trust in democratic institutions. He acknowledged that while judicial intervention often supports democracy, it can also undermine its principles if not carefully managed, especially when judicial decisions fail to reflect justice and fairness.

At the ceremony, 16 out of 190 graduates received First Class degrees, while 240 postgraduates, including doctoral recipients, were honored. Ozekhome, along with former Power Minister Barth Nnaji, was conferred an honorary doctorate degree. Additionally, Professor Evaristus Anyaehie was named emeritus professor.

The Chancellor of GUU, Mr. Okechukwu Gregory Ibe Jnr., congratulated the graduates and urged them to remain resilient and innovative in their future endeavors. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Cele Njoku, encouraged them to uphold the university’s values, while the Pro-Chancellor and former VC, Professor Augustine Uwakwe, stressed that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and personal growth.