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Obstacles against Nigeria’s Progress, by Olufunmilayo Awomolo, SAN
BY SHOLA OSHUNKEYE
A legal luminary, Chief Mrs. Olufunmilayo Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has Identified Obstacles
A legal luminary, Chief Mrs. Olufunmilayo Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, S.A.N., has identified obstacles that impede progress and effective governance in the country.
Delivering the Second Public Lecture of the Faculty of Law, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, recently, Awomolo, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, identified six major hurdles obstructing good governance in Nigeria.
They include corruption, a virulent cancer that has ravaged virtually every stratum of the society; violation of the rule of law as epitomised by the non-adherence to the principles of democracy as well as the failure to safeguard fundamental rights and personal liberties of citizens as entrenched in the constitution; and obsolete laws and regulations.
Other challenges to good governance that Awomolo identified are: insecurity; ethnic pluralism and cultural diversity which, she said, though prevalent in most African countries, are catalysts that breed and promote ethnic favouritism, religious bigotry and nepotism, among others. The Kogi-born Senior Advocate also fingered poor followership as another problem that must be surmounted as Nigeria begins the journey to its 20th uninterrupted year as a democracy
“It is always easy to cast (aspersion) or blame the government for the lack of good governance,” she posited, “but it must be noted that good leadership also depends on good followership. In order to take the country to the next level, the key issue of critical followership must be taken seriously, Nigerians must begin to ask questions, there must be a reformation of the mind, patriotism must be imbibed, and active participation in governance must be allowed.”
She made other recommendations. For Nigerians to enjoy good and effective governance at all levels, and for the people to enjoy the fruits of democratic governance, Awomolo, a Council member of the Women Forum of the Nigeria Bar Association, advocated respect for the rule of law and the doctrine of separation of powers.
The Senior Advocate also canvassed the amendment of some provisions of the Constitution. “…For example making Chapter II of the Constitution on Fundamental Objective and Directive Principles of State Policy justiciable because its provisions, to a large extent, cover principles of good governance and ideals of citizens economic rights.”
Lastly, Awomolo called for “total overhaul of the security apparatus in the country, beginning from recruitment of more personnel, provision of more advanced facilities and tools to combat crime, consistent and vigorous training programme, increment of salary, and many more.”
This is just the first course, a tip of the iceberg. In the main menu, which The Crest will serve shortly, Awomolo gave Nigeria and Nigerians a lot to chew as the country marks Democracy Day, and begins its march towards 2019.