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Tag: Rule of Law

  • Buhari misses NES24 plenary on corruption, rule of law

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday represented President Muhammadu Buhari, who was unavoidably absent at the opening of the 24th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) scheduled for October 22 to 23 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports President Buhari was expected to address the summit opening, and also immediately headline a plenary on corruption and rule of law, that was moderated by Prof. Ngaire Woods, Founding Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government, and Professor of Global Economic Governance, University of Oxford.
    Headlining the event on behalf of Buhari, Vice President Osinbajo said the government is doing so much to tackle grand corruption and systemic corruption; stating that since he became vice-president, he has seen how much impact corruption can have on a country, and its more than he ever imagined.
    He also stated that one of government’s biggest frustrations in the fight against corruption is the speed of prosecution, which he said is slow, and many times constitutionally so.
    He added that the two convictions of former executive governors secured by the federal government showed that the hand of justice may be slow, but it would eventually catch up.
    He noted that reforms, including the criminal justice reform, have been helpful, but regretted FG cannot reform States judiciaries.
    When asked by Ngaire Woods on who calls him before he sacks corrupt government officials, Osinbajo said he gets many calls from religious and political leaders.
    “I would like to refer to the Nigerian elite, and it’s probably not fair to be that broad, but practically, every segment, because people who have access to you, they could be political leaders, religious leaders, business leaders, whoever has access to you.
    “We have a system where people just feel like, ‘why don’t you just give this guy a break?’ Which again is part of the problem. You don’t get one call, you get several calls,” he stated.
    TNG reports the Vice President sacked Lawal Daura, former director general of the Department of State Services (DSS). He was also involved in the suspension of Ayo Oke, former director general of National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF).
    Theme of NES24 is “Poverty to Prosperity: Making Governance and Institutions Work.
     

  • NBA finally reacts to Buhari’s comment on rule of law

    …Frowns at disobedience to court orders

    The Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA ) has faulted argument by President Muhammadu Buhari that National interest/security takes priority over rule of law.

    Reading the communique issued by NBA on Friday, its President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) said rule of law is supreme in every democracy.

    The communique was issued at end of NBA’s 2018 Annual General Conference being rounded off today in Abuja.

    The NBA frowned at the practice “where the Executive selects which court order to obey.”

    NBA called for a non-selective fight against corruption by the Federal Government.

    It advocated for peaceful, free and fair elections next year.

    …Details later.

  • Lawyers, Buhari And The Ruins Of Law, By Azu Ishiekwene

    Azu Ishiekwene

     

    Hundreds, if not thousands, of lawyers who converged on Abuja on Sunday for this year’s Bar conference may find themselves discussing something other than transition, transformation and sustainable institutions, which the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had previously advertised.

     

    In his opening address to the association, President Muhammadu Buhari said something that has left the Bar – and the Bench – chasing their tails. He told them that the rule of law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest.

     

    In plain language, the rule of law takes second place when national security or interest is at stake. Alluding to the Supreme Court’s decision in Mujahid Asari Dokubo vs The Federal Government of Nigeria (2007), without citing the specific case law, Buhari said he was pleased that this position had been adopted and settled by the court.

     

    That is doubtful. The points at issue in the Dokubo case were bail which, no matter the gravity of the offence, is discretionary, and personal liberty, which is only a part of the rule of law. Dokubo had vowed to start a war against Nigeria and it was the opinion of the court that granting him bail would substantially increase the risk of carrying out his threat.

     

    In the case of Nnamdi Kanu, however, even though the IPOB leader made a similar threat, the court granted him bail on health grounds.

     

    But Buhari was not fishing in that pond on Sunday: he was mainly alluding to the cases of the Shiite leader, Ibrahim Elzakzaky and former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. In spite of multiple court orders, Buhari’s government has refused to release both men, who have been detained for years, on the excuse that they remain threats to national security.

     

    Yet, whatever their crimes may be, the public is not aware that either Elzakzaky or Dasuki is sworn to the overthrow of the government. So, what was the point in cherry-picking the Dokubo case?

     

    As Buhari approached the podium on Sunday, he probably sensed how ridiculous it was that his government that has repeatedly disobeyed court orders would conveniently cite a court judgment to justify its disobedience. He had also said on his return from his recent holiday in London, that he would jail corrupt people, stoking criticisms that he would use extra-legal means to crush his political opponents.

     

    He opened his speech by attacking first, as a form of defence. When Buhari said the rule of law was inferior to national security, the hall fluttered not in displeasing murmurs or fleeting exchange of curious glances; it erupted, instead, in a storm of applause for the president.

     

    From that point on, those who may have nursed the thought of pressing allegations that the administration’s war on corruption was “selective”, asking questions about the multiple violations of court orders, or flagging the charges of human rights abuses and violations of press freedom, were on the back foot.

     

    But keep in mind that this was not a meeting convened for fresh spies by fallen State Security Service chief, Lawal Daura, to justify the siege to the National Assembly, or a basic class for recruits on national interest and criminal sedition by Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, where you might expect nothing but total submission.

     

    It was a conference of the Bar association where you expect to see firebrands burning with near fanatical zeal to protect the rule of law (of which civil liberties are an essential part), without which any talk of national security does not make sense.

     

    Buhari had not even landed the punchline on the superiority of “national security” to “the rule of law” before the lawyers rolled over, wilfully forgetting – or suppressing – what happened just outside the door, before the conference was called to order.

     

    About three weeks before the Bar conference, former DSS DG, Daura, laid a siege to the National Assembly deploying armed and hooded security men. One version of the story said Daura claimed he ordered the invasion “in the national interest”, because he believed that “national security” was under threat.

     

    Apparently, the new Bar President, Paul Usoro (SAN), and the new executive members of the Association, were either too busy campaigning for election or were on a tour of Mars during the DSS siege.

     

    Before the Bar conference started on Sunday, IGP Idris had also given us his own definition of “national security” and “national interest”. The graduate of agriculture and law said leaking his memo to acting President Yemi Osinbajo on the siege to the National Assembly was “a threat to national security”.

     

    So, he pounced on PREMIUM TIMES, roughened up key editorial staff, dragged reporter Samuel Ogundipe into detention and froze his account. Why? A dated colonial law, called criminal sedition, says publication of the truth, convenient or not, is a threat to “national security.”

     

    The courts, which Buhari conveniently quoted to support his position on the “supremacy of national interest” over “the rule of law”, have repeatedly ruled that Elzakzaky and Dasuki should be released on bail, yet the rulings have fallen on deaf ears.

     

    In spite of Buhari’s best effort to adjust to his civilian dress, his martial instinct has barely changed. From time to time, the Buhari who promulgated Decrees 2 and 4, 34 years ago under a military government where he was accuser, judge and jailer, rears his head – just like it happened on Sunday.

     

    But that’s precisely why some of the brightest lawyers were there – to remind Buhari that it is not in his place – or in the place of any other arm of government, other than the courts – to decide what may or may not constitute a “threat to national security.”

     

    The president came to office by the rule of law and, however inconvenient, he must stick with it or overthrow it and take us back 34 years when he could rule as he pleased.

     

    In his piece entitled, “Rule of law: The president got it wrong“, Reuben Abati was spot on when he said, “In summary, the rule of law is about fairness, justice, equality, due process, accountability, impartial application of the law and proper administration of justice.”

     

    Governments, especially the executive arm, tend to forget that it is the rule of law that makes it possible, in the first place, to define what national security is. They think national security is what the man or woman in power says it is – and quite often, meaning personal loyalty, convenience and security.

     

    At a time, threat to national security was as ridiculous as the biblical Joseph refusing to sleep with Pharoah’s wife, Potiphar; as silly as which of the Isabellas married first in ancient Spain; or as puzzling as Galileo’s disagreement with the Inquisitors over the shape of the earth.

     

    It was the whim of the ruler, who was not just outside the rule of law, but was also a law unto himself. We were there 34 years ago – and for 28 years of the country’s history – when the powers of the court were emasculated by decrees and a cabal ruled as it pleased.

     

    But surely, that’s not where we are now. It’s a shame that the Bar conference is ending without anyone present in the hall on Sunday reminding the President that we’ve come too far to go back to the state of nature.

     

    Ishiekwene is the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of The Interview and member of the board of the Global Editors Network

     

     

     

  • Soyinka reacts to Buhari’s comment on ‘placing national security above rule of law’

    Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka on Thursday reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent rule of law comment.

    The Nobel laureate said the president’s comment shows his apparent disregard and willingness to violate the law for national security.

    Recall that President Buhari delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference last Sunday, claimed it was a settled law that national security should always trump the rule of law.

    He defended the detention of Nigerians even against judicial pronouncements.

    However, in a statement Thursday, Mr Soyinka mocked the president by saying Mr Buhari had obviously given a deep thought to his travails under a military dictatorship and concluded that his incarceration at that time was also in the ‘national interest.’

    Mr Buhari was imprisoned for years by the Ibrahim Babangida regime after his military dictatorship was overthrown in 1985.

    Since returning to power in 2015, Mr Buhari’s government has held some Nigerians for years without trial. High profile detainees have been denied freedom despite court orders.

    “Here we go again,” Soyinka said in the statement he titled ‘Buhari’s Pernicious Doctrine.’

    “At his first coming, it was ‘I intend to tamper with Freedom of the Press,’ and Buhari did proceed to suit action to the words, sending two journalists – Irabor and Thompson – to prison as a reward for their professional integrity.

    “Now, a vague, vaporous, but commodious concept dubbed “national interest” is being trotted out as alibi for flouting the decisions of the Nigerian judiciary. President Buhari has obviously given deep thought to his travails under a military dictatorship, and concluded that his incarceration was also in the ‘national interest.’”

    Buhari sparked outrage with his statement while addressing a gathering of lawyers when he said: “the rule of law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest.”

    The president’s comments drew criticisms from the lawyers and Nigerians who condemned his statement in strong terms.

    In his statement on Thursday, Soyinka described the timing of the president’s speech as “perfect.”

    “We have cause to be thankful for the advance warning, since not all rulers actually make a declaration of intent, but simply proceed to degrade the authority of the law as part of the routine business of governance,” said Soyinka.

    “We have been there before. It should be of mere interest, not despondency, that this latest proclamation of dictatorial recidivism has also been made before an assembly of officers of the law, the Nigerian Bar Association. We expect a robust response from the NBA as part of its conclusions.”

    Soyinka noted that there is no shortcut to democracy and that the history of law, even where uncodified, is as old as humanity.

    “Numerous rulers have tried again and again to annul that institution,” he said.

    “Sometimes, they appear to succeed, but in the end, they pay heavy forfeit. So does society.

    “The rule of law, however, outlasts all subverters, however seemingly powerful. If the consequences for society in defence of the rule of law were not so costly, any new attempt would be merely banal and boring, hardly deserving of attention. We know, historically, where it will all end.”

  • Falana to Buhari: National Security is subject to rule of law

    Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has warned that the security of the country should never be confused with government security, stating: “It is problematic to place the security of the state entirely above the interests of individual citizens.
    Placing security concerns in direct opposition to human rights creates a false dichotomy. Each is essential for ensuring that a society is both free and secure. Privileging one over the other can have unintended negative consequences.
    Falana said this in a paper he presented on Wednesday at the 2018 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Abuja.
    He spoke against the backdrop of the assertion of President Muhammadu Buhari that the rule of law takes second place where national security is concerned.
    Buhari also spoke at the NBA conference.
    Falana said: “In democratic societies human rights are at the core of national security itself. I posit that the purpose of national security should be to protect democracy and enhance democratic principles.”
    The paper reads in part: “The debate over the clash between the rule of law and national security has been reopened by President Muhammadu Buhari at this conference when he enjoined Nigerian lawyers and judges to realize that national security takes precedence over national security. A few days before then, the President had threatened to jail looters who had sabotaged the security of the nation by diverting huge funds earmarked for the development of the country. It is implied in the presidential declaration that the alleged looters cannot be jailed without a trial conducted in criminal courts under the rule of law.
    “From 1984-1999, I was subjected to constant harassment by the security and intelligence community in Nigeria. Not for posing any threat to national security or for contributing to the economic adversity of the country. But for teaming up with other patriotic forces to challenge unbridled corruption, unabashed executive lawlessness, gross human rights abuse and other illegal activities which subverted national security and endangered the welfare of the people of Nigeria under successive military regimes.
    “Owing to the refusal of the civilian wing of the political class to demilitarize the polity there has been unsettled debate over the primacy of national security over the rule of law. Majority of political office holders in the country are not committed to the observance of the rule of law. In place of the rule of the rule of law the political system has enthroned the rule of might or rule of rulers.
    “On July 17, July 2018, President Mohammadu Buhari had the rare privilege of participating in the activities marking the 20th anniversary of the International Criminal Court. On that auspicious occasion the Nigerian leader assured the international community that “our cooperation with the Court is borne out of our strong belief in the respect for the rule of law and human rights.
    “On the basis of such assurance from the President we are compelled to review the disturbing culture of disobeying court orders by officials of the federal and state governments under the current democratic dispensation. I want to believe that the President is not unaware of the respect for human rights is the fundamental basis of a democratic society that is genuinely committed to the consistent implementation of the rule of law.
    “Human rights are indeed the basic building blocks that governments must cultivate in order to have an effective relationship with the general population. The extent that the protection of these rights is guaranteed signifies the democratic strength of a country. Indeed, human rights and the rule of law are crucial to the well-being of any truly democratic society. These rights include not only civil and political rights but also economic, social and cultural rights.
    “The subordination of human rights to national security has been a permanent feature of Nigeria’s political history. More than anything else, high level official corruption (and associated human rights violations) poses a major threat to national security, human security and individual human rights in Nigeria.
    “The cost of living in a society that human rights are not protected could not be justified by anything. The cost would be too high. I must make this additional point: Nigeria’s democracy must strive to meet three objectives of ensuring the rule of law; striking a balance between the short term and the long term, and between the individual and the community; and protecting the rights of minority groups. I will explain very briefly each of these objectives.
    “The rule of law. Good Governance requires the rule of law. Having good laws on the statue books is not enough. Laws must be implemented and enforced fairly and consistently in a transparent way or they risk becoming dead letters or, worse, instruments of oppression. There must therefore be some separation of powers and an independent judiciary. Furthermore, corruption is a long-standing problem that has to be combated.
    “National security must be reduced to its absolute minimum — what I call a democratic conception of national security. The use of extraordinary measures in the name of national security for any other purpose should therefore be discouraged. Nigeria’s national security institutions must be effectively regulated and made accountable.
    “The government must adopt broad-ranging measures geared to develop an effective institution with an appropriate organizational culture for a democratic society as well as the direct and mandatory involvement of the National Assembly in after-the-fact review. In the final analysis, it is essential to place further legal limitations on government’s use of special national security measures.
    “Since the security of the government in power is always equated with national security the police and security agencies have concentrated their attention on monitoring the activities of human rights activists and opposition figures in the country. In the circumstance, the police and security agencies have been unable to foil illegal take-over of government, through coup de tat and rigging of elections, kidnapping, hostage taking, religious riots and civil disturbances which have continued to threaten national security.
    “It is common knowledge that disobedience of court orders is not uncommon in some democratic countries. But it is the duty of every government which is committed to the defence of the rule of law to ensure that court orders are complied with by all authorities and persons. The federal government has as duty to take urgent and decisive measures to put an end to the disobedience of court orders by many public officers and institutions. Since section 287 of the Constitution has imposed a binding obligation on all authorities and persons in Nigeria to comply with the decisions of competent courts, public officers who subvert the rule of law ought to be sanctioned.
    “Furthermore, in view of the fact that President Mohammadu is the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States the Federal Government should show leadership by example by complying with all the judgments of the regional court without any further delay.
    “The rule of law is violated by the federal and state governments as well as powerful individuals in the society through the following acts of impunity: Deliberate breach of the provisions of the Constitution and other extant laws; Compromise of the investigation of criminal cases by law enforcement agencies; Refusal of Attorneys-General to prosecute indicted criminal suspects, and Disobedience of court orders.
    “The aforementioned acts of sabotage of the rule of law are carried out by the highly placed agents of impunity with the active connivance of lawyers. Experience has shown that
    governments are given legal advice by Attorneys-General while the rich and powerful people are advised by senior lawyers to comply with the provisions of the law or the decisions of the courts. Regrettably, the Nigerian Bar Association has failed to sanction the activities of Attorneys-General and senior lawyers who engage in the subversion of the rule and national security.
    “The Nigerian government must comply fully with its national and international legal obligations to uphold human rights in all its actions so as to ensure security through the crucial protection of human rights and the rule of law. The government must demonstrate the commitment in deed and not merely in words to respect the rights and freedoms of citizens and to promote human rights. It is absolutely important that any measures limiting human rights are in compliance with international law.”
  • Why my administration may sometimes jettison rule of law – Buhari

    Why my administration may sometimes jettison rule of law – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said his administration may have to jettison the rule of law for the overriding interest of the country at large.

    The president said during a gathering of lawyers that the “Rule of Law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest.”

    “Our apex court has had cause to adopt a position on this issue in this regard and it is now a matter of judicial recognition that; where national security and public interest are threatened or there is a likelihood of their being threatened, the individual rights of those allegedly responsible must take second place, in favour of the greater good of society,” Buhari said while addressing the opening ceremony of a conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    Read the president’s full speech below.

    I am delighted to address this distinguished gathering on the occasion of the 2018 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association. Let me thank your Association for the invitation to declare this Conference open and to express my hope that the Conference will consolidate the position of the NBA as a prime stakeholder in our national affairs.

    2. I am informed that with an average attendance of over 10,000 participants, this Conference represents one of the largest single gathering of lawyers anywhere in the world. I congratulate you all for this achievement which is a plus for our nation.

    3. The theme of this 2018 NBA Conference — “Transition, Transformation and Sustainable Institutions” — is one which is apt in the light of our contemporary domestic and global challenges. I also consider it significant in view of the fact that it demonstrates the willingness of the NBA to address issues, not only related to the immediate practice of law but more importantly, to solutions of wider society’s problems.

    4. Since the inauguration of this administration, I have had the privilege of observing at first hand how societies experience transition, attempt transformation and build or strengthen institutions to manage these processes.

    5. As you will recall, this administration’s emergence marked the first successful civilian transition in Nigeria’s democratic history, following the outcome of the 2015 General Elections.

    6. Given the enormity of the challenges we inherited and the yearnings of a citizenry earnestly desirous of a new way of running national affairs, our first challenge was to transform our country speedily into a society where impunity in the management of national resources would be replaced with a culture of accountability and transparency. We needed to deploy our resources to address our common needs rather than the greed of a callous few.

    7. In order to achieve this, we have had to disrupt age-old assumptions and unsettle ancient norms in the management of our national patrimony, as you have all witnessed in the last three years.

    8. While we have made appreciable progress in several sectors, including public awareness of the need to challenge the corrupt and the brazen in our midst, we have also learnt useful lessons on the dynamism of our society. However, elements within every society, including some lawyers, can equally become unduly resistant to change, even where it is proven that such change is to serve the interest of the larger society. At worst, corruption fights back.

    9. As we gradually move into another season of intense political activities preparatory to the 2019 General Elections, I enjoin you to remember that by reason of your profession, you all have a responsibility to work for national cohesion and unity through your speeches and public positions and most importantly in your advocacy in court.

    10. In the context of opinions and narratives about our past and present political and socio-economic experience, you cannot afford to jettison rational and proper analysis of issues in a manner which builds, rather than destroys the nation. I also urge you to work to uphold and improve the sanctity and integrity of our judicial and electoral institutions which play a fundamental role in the sustenance and growth of our democracy.

    11. However, let me remind you all, my dear compatriots, that the law can only be optimally practiced in a Nigeria that is safe, secure and prosperous.

    12. As you go into this Annual Conference, let me assure you of the resolve of this administration to promote measures that will achieve a vibrant economy under which the practice of law will thrive.

    13. Through fiscal discipline, good housekeeping, we navigated the difficult days of economic transformation at the beginning of this Government in 2015 and have now come to improving economic indices, including the consistent increase in our foreign reserves; thirteen straight months of decreasing inflation; the expansion of social safety nets programmes as well as the blockages of historical drain pipes in our national treasury, all within the context of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

    14. It is equally significant to emphasize that our willingness to hold persons accountable for offences against society, through the judicial process, will equally transform the future of public service in Nigeria in a positive manner.

    15. I believe that lawyers can contribute to another core objective of enhancing our business environment and promoting social justice by promoting respect for the Rule of Law; contributing to the law reform process and putting national interest and professional ethics above self in the conduct of their business.

    16. Rule of Law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest. Our apex court has had cause to adopt a position on this issue in this regard and it is now a matter of judicial recognition that; where national security and public interest are threatened or there is a likelihood of their being threatened, the individual rights of those allegedly responsible must take second place, in favour of the greater good of society.

    17. I trust that this Conference will achieve tremendous success and I urge you all to participate actively in its various intellectual and social activities in order to build new bonds and strengthen old relationships. I congratulate the incoming National Executive of the NBA led by Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, and wish them a successful tenure in the task of advancing legal practice in Nigeria.

    18. In conclusion, may I wish you all, once more, a very fruitful Conference. It is my hope that the outcome of your deliberations will impact positively on the socio-economic fortunes of our country and Africa in the years ahead and improve access of the poor and under-privileged in our society to justice. I look forward to reading the conclusions of your conference.

    19. Your Excellencies, My Lords, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen of the Bar, it is now my pleasure to declare the 2018 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association open.

    Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • 2019: Nigeria heading for destruction without rule of law – Onnoghen

    The Chief Justice of the Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Tuesday, said the country was doomed without the rule of law.

    Onnoghen, therefore, charged judicial officers to remain steadfast and committed in the build-up to the 2019 general election.

    He gave this charge during the unveiling of the ultra-modern Court of Appeal Complex in Calabar, Cross River State.

    Onnoghen, who performed the unveiling alongside the President of the Court of Appeal, Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, and the Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, told judges to remain firm no matter whose ox was gored.

    He urged the judges to always be mindful of the fact that the society depended on the justices and the decision they made.

    He said, “I use this opportunity to still call on judicial officers in the country to remain steadfast to their oath of office, the constitution of the country and continue to remember that without the rule of law, the society is doomed.

    “Hold firm to the wheels of justice and ensure that when cases are placed on a scale, whichever weighs more should be where the judgment should go. It does not matter whose ox is gored because the society depends on us and that decision you have to take. The society survives because you are courageous enough to tell whoever is wrong that you are wrong.”

    Also speaking, a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Senator Kanu Agabi, who spoke on behalf of legal practitioners, commended the judiciary for standing firm and helping to shape the country through the decisions that had helped prevent anarchy.

    “The decisions of our courts are shaping the country and by these, the judges have demonstrated their capacity and disposition to save the country from anarchy. They are proving that that is indeed the third arm of government,” he said.

    In his remarks, Governor Ayade commended the judiciary for living up to its tenets of upholding the rule of law, justice and equity in the dispensation of justice.

    According to Ayade, the judiciary has now and truly assumed its independent status in Nigeria as it is no longer at the whims and caprices of politicians, but one fully and firmly in control.

     

  • Rule of law, due process as hallmark of democracy – Speaker Dogara

    The speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has emphasised on the need to improve on the crop of lawyers produced by the universities in order to improve on the nation’s rule of law and due process.

    Speaking when he received a delegation of Law Students Representatives Council from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State in his office, he also urged them to be innovative and bring the much needed difference that will reposition governance in the country.

    He said, “We need good lawyers in this country. We need good lawmakers because as you have heard it been said, democracy is dependent on rule of law and due process. Everything revolves around due process and rule of law.

    “So, it, therefore, means that your democracy can only be as strong as your laws because it is your laws that serve as the pivot upon which democracy is built.

    “And so, we need sound lawyers to represent people in court and to ensure justice that is due to our citizens is actually given to them. And much more, we need sound lawyers in the institutions like the National Assembly to ensure that the laws we are making meet the expections and yearnings of our people.”

    Hon Dogara went further to challenge the delegation to push for innovation and new approaches in the field of law in order to increase their knowledge and make groundbreaking changes.

    He also advised them and all Nigerian youths to take advantage of the Not Too Young to Run law passed by the National Assembly to participate in politics in order to transform governance in a manner that will be beneficial to all Nigerians.

    “The reason for the passage of the law was not just to bring young people into government or to expand the political space but one of the key motivating factor was to ensure that we have a difference in leadership because if the engagement of the youths in this manner cannot transform into any meaningful manner, the way and manner we govern ourselves , then ultimately the aim would have been defeated,” he said, while adding, “We should have better leaders and with discipline, you will get there and I hope you will not disappoint us.”

    Earlier, Mr Olawumi Tobi, leader of delegation, thanked the Speaker for receiving them on their visit to the National Assembly and sharing his experiences as a legal practitioner and legislator with them.

    Mr. Tobi revealed that speaker Dogara gives hope and inspiration to Nigerian youths with his support for the not too young to run and other youth friendly legislations in the National Assembly.

     

  • Respect the rule of law, release Dasuki now – Family tells Buhari

    The Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki Progressive Association, Sokoto, has called on the ‎Federal Government to respect the rule of law by releasing the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) on bail in compliance with court rulings.

    In a statement issued on Friday by its Secretary-General, Kabiru Auwal, the association said ‎the judiciary should be encouraged to exercise its powers without undue interference by the executive arm.

    The association also quoted President Muhammadu Buhari as saying in the early days of his administration that “as far as the constitution allows me, I will try to ensure that there is responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country. For I will not have kept my own trust with the Nigerian people, if I allow others abuse theirs under my watch.”

    The group said no nation develops in the absence of rule of law.

    “FG’s sheer disregard for the rule of law in the last two years, especially as it affects Sambo Dasuki’s incarceration has become worrisome to the Dasuki family.

    “No nation develops in the absence of rule of law, in which case her extant laws and judicial structures are respected and ‎devoid of sentimentality and grudging impunity.

    “Dasuki should be allowed to enjoy his bails except if the intention of government is to kill him in detention,‎” it added.

    ‎The association described Dasuki as one who had sacrificed his life and meritoriously served the nation in various capacities before his appointment as the NSA by the previous administration.

    “It is public knowledge that Dasuki had served the administrations of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida but was against dictatorial regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha, before he sought asylum outside the country where he teamed up with other Nigerians in the Diaspora to campaign against that military dictatorship and entrenchment of democracy.

    “We and other right-thinking members of his family have deliberately remained silence on his ordeals and persecution, hoping in a democratic government, rule of law would be adhered to. But surprisingly in over two years that Sambo Dasuki has been unlawfully and illegal detained without any court order or warrant, he has been subjected to media trial, scandalized, criminalized, insulted and humiliated not through any court of justice but from the propaganda of the current administration through media trials of falsehood,” the association concluded.

  • We are deeply committed to rule of law in Nigeria, FG assures international community

    Nigeria has assured the international community that it is deeply committed to the concept of rule of law as enshrined in the constitution of the country.

    The Acting Director, International Organisations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Richard Adedoja, stated this at the UN headquarters in New York while delivering Nigeria’s statement on ‘The Rule of Law at the National and International Levels’.

    Mr. Adedoja said: “In Nigeria, the rule of law is a fundamental article in our national jurisprudence and it is a pivotal principle that guides the process of governance.

    “We are deeply committed to it. We promote it relentlessly and we have continuously advocated for it at the national, regional and international levels.

    “Nigeria remains committed to a process of governance that is firmly anchored on democratic principles.

    “We consider the rule of law as a fundamental prerequisite to the establishment of justice and as a basis for peaceful coexistence and the prevention of armed conflict,” he said.

    He said the National Human Rights Commission was established to create an enabling environment for the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights.

    He said the establishment of the Commission was in furtherance of the promotion of and adherence to the principles of rule of law in the country.

    “In addition, the works of the various anti-corruption agencies are meant to ensure that ‘due process’ is always observed and to grant access to justice for all.

    “Only few days ago, the Chief Justice of Nigeria directed heads of court to immediately set up what could pass for separate courts to try people accused of financial crimes.

    “This is firmly rooted in the understanding that the rule of law must be strictly observed in the administration of justice,” he said.

    Mr. Adedoja noted the UN Secretary-General’s Report that recognised that the rule of law as critical in efforts to build and sustain peace, as an enabling factor in the prevention of conflict.

    According to him, respect for the rule of law is necessary for the realisation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and for the overall protection and promotion of human rights.

    Undoubtedly, the rule of law must also focus on addressing issues such as climate change, migration, and violence against women and girls, he said.

    “The adherence to and respect for the principle of rule of law must reinforce our collective responses to global issues.

    “Indeed, all responses to global challenges, including climate change, environmental challenges as well as conflict across the world, must be based on the rule of law.

    “These include issues pertaining to good governance, democratic practice, accountability, fight against impunity, protection of civilians in armed conflict, women and children.

    “In addition, terrorism and transnational crimes, and a host of other subjects have intrinsic to them respect for and observance of the rule of law,” he said.

    Mr. Adedoja reaffirmed Nigeria’s delegation support to the Declaration adopted at the General Assembly’s 2012 High-Level Meeting on the Rule of Law.

    He underlined the need for national ownership in every effort aimed at strengthening national capacities of Member States in the promotion of the rule of law as well as in providing technical assistance and capacity-building towards that end.

    “We call on UN Member States to renew their commitment to respect and defend the UN Charter as a means of promoting international law and strengthening the rule of law.

    “We should collectively work to attain a world where the rule of law, accountability and social justice are the foundation for sustainable development and durable peace.

    “This must be a priority for the international community, for world leaders and for all peoples,” he said.

    (NAN)