SPEECH DELIVERED BY HON. JUSTICE BOLARINWA O. BABALAKIN, JSC (RTD),CON, ON BEHALF OF HON. JUSTICE KAYODE ESO, JSC (RTD) CON, ON THE OCCASION OF THE SYMPOSIUM ORGANISED BY MUSTAPHA AKANBI FOUNDATION ON THE 21ST JULY, 2010 AT SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS, ABUJA, NIGERIA
Having read the contribution of the Special Guest of Honour of this occasion, I feel I should make my own humble contribution to this epoch making ceremony. The topic of my contribution is GENERAL SURVEY OF THE PERIOD.
The major problem of the country today can be capped in a Yoruba proverb which says:
Eni gbo’ fa ko mo Offa
Eni mo’ Offa ko gbo Ifa
Beni Ifa ta lofa
Meaning the man who knows about Ifa oracle divination does not know a town called Offa, the man who knows the town Offa does not know about Ifa divination but yet Offa town is a lucrative town for advancement of Ifa oracle divination.
Put pointedly, most of the people who are now at the helm of governance of this country are ignorant of the act, those who know the act of governance are prevented from participating and yet the act of good governance is what this country needs badly which is now being practised by mediocres in the act.
The political parties have so commercialized their activities and in particular the method of selection of those who will govern and/or engage in the act of governance that it is difficult if not impossible for a person with honest intention to enter the arena of governance without succumbing to their ‘modus operandi’ in the act. This, the man with honest intention is not prepared to do.
The solution lies in free and fair election but rigging has not made this possible. Some of the military Governments in the country set up judicial bodies to investigate some Electoral bodies responsible for some elections in the country.
I headed one of such Enquires and without being immodest I quote what was said by the then Military Government in accepting the report.
“On behalf of the Federal Military Government and the entire people of Nigeria, it gives me a great pleasure to receive the report of the Tribunal of inquiry into the defunct Federal Electoral Commission popularly referred to as FEDECO.
(2)As you are all aware, it is a monumental task to probe the immediate past act of FEDECO especially because of its manifest contribution to the country’s political malaise and the painful failure at our second attempt at democratic rule.
Government has consequently accorded the work of your commission a very high priority and each of you (Chairman and members) has been chosen because of your proven competence, integrity, patriotism and dedication to the cause of one indivisible nation.”
Signed by: Chief of General Staff “
This is now followed by Justice Uwais report which has now engaged people in debate and suggestions.
We all know where the fault lies, let us all sincerely apply the solution that will minimize electoral irregularities. Another important aspect is the attitude of the electorate themselves they should refuse to be bribed; they should realize that the future of their children is more than monetary gain.
The previous Regional Governments succeeded because the people regarded themselves as one entity and were able to urgently solve many matters requiring urgent solution and we should therefore pursue measures that will make us a true federation.
On corruption generally I think the best solution is to mount a campaign of social disdain for people who are found to be corrupt.
As at now people join them in religious services to celebrate the looting of government treasury. If the looters are ostracized the practice will stop. In respect of judges who are found to be corrupt the National judicial council is doing its best. After thorough investigation those found guilty are dismissed with immediate effect. It is hoped that they will not relent.It is also for the public to report erring judges. On this issue silence is criminal.
Because of various problems confronting Nigerian progress some people in desperation have suggested a REVOLUTION. There is no doubt that this will be counter – productive. In the first place, it is an uncivilized measure.
In the second place the people responsible for the revolution will not know where and how to start the act of governance then we will be back to square one – God forbid. Our best determination is to do all we can to improve the present so that our future will be bright.
In conclusion, the Mustapha Akanbi Foundation should be commended for providing forum where the ills of the society are identified and solutions to them suggested. This is helping to build a good and virile society.
On your behalf I thank them and I pray that the affairs of the Foundation may continue to prosper.
Fellow Nigerians this Foundation requires our support and I appeal to you to give same.
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