The Speaker of Oyo state House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, Tuesday, urged lawyers and other stakeholders in the judiciary system to promote the rule of law over self-interest in the country.
Ogundoyin made the call at the 65th anniversary and 2019 Law Week of the Ibadan branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) with theme : “Law, Probity and Good Governance: Practical Approach to Making Nigeria Greater.”
At the event held at Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre in Ibadan, Ogundoyin, who was the guest of honour at the event, said legal practitioners and the judiciary remained the last hope of the masses.
“Supremacy of the rule of law has remained the only way human rights of a common man can be protected and Nigerian democracy can be deepened through checks and balances among the three arms of government.
“Coincidentally, December10 is the International Human Rights Day and the legal profession being an influential profession has influence over policy, defence of rights and the pursuit of justice.
“The judiciary deserves every respect from individuals, public servants, organisations, government agencies and institutions as the third arm of government.
“This is the only way you can discharge your constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour”, Ogundoyin said.
He said Nigerian lawyers like their counterparts all over the world have the civic duty to consolidate the country’s democracy as enshrined in the constitution.
Ogundoyin identified political instability, social disequilibrium, insecurity, corruption, political ineffectiveness of public institutions, declining economy and lack of a democratic culture as notable challenges negatively impacting on the justice system.
“These are some of the harsh realities and pragmatic constraints legal practitioners are facing which are limiting their ability to deepen democracy or even perform their traditional functions,” he said. (NAN)
