Afam Osigwe Urges Courts to Drop Latin Maxims and Issue Clear Rulings

Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, has urged courts to avoid Latin expressions in their judgments. He argued that phrases like status quo ante bellum and pendente lite create confusion and invite misinterpretation. Speaking during a recent television interview, Osigwe said courts should give precise, unambiguous orders. He warned that vague rulings let different parties claim victory and fuel further disputes. His comments follow a Court of Appeal decision in the African Democratic Congress leadership crisis. The ruling’s reference to status quo ante bellum led to conflicting actions by INEC and rival party factions, sparking protests at INEC’s Abuja office.

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