Sincere Leadership, Reformed Judiciary Will Herald A New Nigeria, Says Fagbohun
FVice Chancellor of Lagos State University ( LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN, has said that sincere leadership and a reform of the judiciary is a critical mechanism for an effective federal system that would birth a Nigeria that is working for all.
Fagbohun stated this while delivering the keynote address at the 21st Annual Public Lecture and Luncheon of Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association ( UNIFEMGA), Lagos Chapter, with the theme: ‘ Harnessing Opportunities for a New Nigeria’
The event chaired by the Managing Director, of Lotus Bank, Alhaja Kafilat Araoye, was well- attended and featured award presentation to two alumni of the great institution, Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru and Yusuf Olaolu Alli ( SAN) for their outstanding contributions and exemplary leadership in their respective fields.
In his lecture, Fagbohun decried the deeply flawed system for the appointment of judges, inordinate reliance on technicality and legalism, and allegations of corruption, among other issues that have characterised Nigeria’s judicial system.
“When the judicial system is efficient ( i. e. capable of producing desired results without wasting resources) and effective ( i. e. producing a result that is wanted), it will be authoritative in adjudication and earn the respect of the society. When it is otherwise, the consequences manifest in incidences of pervasive betrayals such as earlier mentioned and worsening constitutional tensions as are being experienced in the country today.
“In recent times, a series of judgments and rulings have increased the withering attacks on Nigeria’s judiciary. Before the recent attacks, the sector has been struggling with delays in the determination of cases, inadequate funding, allegations of corruption, inordinate reliance on technicality and legalism, and a deeply flawed system for the appointment of judges.
“One of the most eloquent statements about the current state of Nigeria’s judiciary was made by a retiring Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Musa Datijo Muhammad, at his valedictory session.”
He noted that a couple of years ago, appointment to the bench was strictly on merit, sound knowledge of the law, integrity, honour, and hard work distinguish those who were elevated.
“As much as possible, the most qualified men and women were appointed. That can no longer be said about an appointment to the bench. It is asserted that the process of appointment to judicial positions is deliberately conducted to give undue advantage to the children, spouses and mistress of serving and retired judges and managers of judicial offices.
“The judiciary I am exiting from is far from the one I voluntarily joinedanddesiredtoserveandbeidentifiedwith. Theinstitution has become something else.”
Fagbohun, a former Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University ( LASU), emphasised that the reform of Nigeria’s judiciary is a matter of urgency.
“In the face of the above narration of systematic judicial failure, need we ask any further, why Nigeria’s federalism is fledgling? As a matter of urgency, Nigeria needs to reform its judiciary. We must overhaul the system for appointing Judges, enhance accountability through monitoring; ensure independence; appropriately resource the system including providing sufficient incentives for judicial officers, and prioritise improving access to justice.”
Speaking further, Fagbohun does not share the view that Nigeria’s problem has defied a solution. He noted that the country needs only sincere leadership, where people in authority prioritise collective interest above self- interest.
Meanwhile, the awardees couldn’t hide their excitement seeing their friends and colleagues back in their university days who came from within and outside the country to rejoice with them.
In his brief remarks, Justice Abiru said he was grateful to Almighty Allah and overwhelmed by what people are saying about him.
He added that the task he has been given as a supreme court justice is a daunting one, while seeking Allah’s guidance and assistance.
He urged his friends, colleagues and Nigerians to remember him in prayer for Allah to guide and assist him.
“The task I have been given as a Justice of the Supreme Court is a daunting task. It is said that when you are not content with the judgement of a high court, you go to the appeal court. When you’re not content with that of the appeal court, you move to the Supreme Court.