– Lessons gotten from Covid-19 Pandemic should not be jettisoned – Hon. Justice Tanko Mohammed, CJN
– Aspirants of public office must be open to public scrutiny and criticism for healthy democracy – Mr. Mahdi Shehu
– Foundation laid by founders of Nigeria has been deviated from, hence, the need for restructuring – Mrs. Nella Rabana, SAN
– Nigeria needs restructuring and change from consuming to producing country – Dr. Sam Amadi
– Nigeria needs judicial independence and use of technology for justice delivery – Prof. Amupitan, SAN
– Nigeria should boost its local manufacturing ways to limit its outward spending – Mr. Akinlabi Akingbade
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Various stakeholders have called for a more determined approach in governance and the country at large post-Covid-19.
The call was made at the 12th Annual Public Lecture organized by the law firm of J-K Gadzama LLP, on 24th of November, 2020.
The lecture, which had the theme “Rebuilding The Nation Post Covid-19 Outbreak: The Judicial, Economic and Political Perspectives”, had the following persons as speakers: Mr. Mahdi Shehu; Mrs. Nella Andem-Rabana SAN; Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN; Dr. Sam Amadi; and Mr. Akinlabi Akingbabe.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice I.T. Mohammed, CFR; served as the Chairman of the event and was ably represented by Chief Emeka Ngige SAN;
Whilst delivering the opening remarks for the lecture, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, noted that the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic has come to stay and the lessons gotten from the pandemic should not be jettisoned, but rather be built upon as the nation moves towards a more technological world.
CJN further appreciated the organizers of the event, noting how their choice of lecture theme beginning from the inaugural lecture till date, has always been topical, apt and always addresses the existing challenges.
On his part, Mr. Mahdi Shehu, the Chairman of Dialogue Group and Key note speaker at the event, stated that democracy should always be about the people, and aspirants for public office must learn to be open to public scrutiny and criticisms in other to achieve a healthy democracy, that involves citizens participation.
He observed that there exists a misnomer in the Nigerian democracy, and that this misnomer can be easily traced back to the root of the country.
Amadi akinned Nigeria to a house with faulty foundation, noting that only the enthronement of true democratic principles in the country is the solution from our numerous challenges.
He also condemned what he describes as alignments to ethnic colourations when deciding leaders in the country, noting that such bias has made of mockery of our democratic institutions, and undermined competence and performance, for mere representation.
“These myopic mindsets and double standards currently defines the shaky base upon which Nigeria must rediscover itself, reinvent its wheels, change its mindset, heal her multiple wounds & lacerations and find its focus.” he said.
Mrs. Nella Andem-Rabana SAN whilst sharing her views at the lecture noted that the challenges bedeviling the country predates the Covid-19 pandemic, and that although the foundation of the nation was properly laid by the founders, however, it has been deviated from, hence the need for restructuring. She noted that it was time to go back to the drawing board, (re) empower our youths, speak to authorities and refrain from lips service.
The learned silk also made a case for a robust data management system and an efficient implementation of laws.
Also speaking at the Lecture, Dr. Sam Amadi observed that the main loosers from the Covid-19 pandemic are nations with Neo-Liberal mindset, and Nigeria ought to consider the East-Asian economic model in other to pull through economically.
The former Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Boss and lecturer at Baze University, Abuja, also made a case for restructuring, calling for constitutional, administrative and Judicial reforms in the country.
Whilst noting that the existing frameworks only encourage a consumption economy and not necessarily one of distribution or production, he pointed out that the country must be willing and ready to separate the Institutions of state and religion from its political life and also eliminate citizenship by ethnicity, and the overly centralization of power at the federal level.
In calling for Judicial reforms, Dr. Amadi called for more Judicial activism especially with respect to the Economic, Social and Cultural rights, citing examples in India and South Africa.
Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN on his part, considered the need for Judicial reforms in light of the pandemic, so as to enable our court system work remotely and avoid any possible shut down advanced by any pandemic, he also called for financial Independence to the Judiciary and the use of technology in justice delivery.
Making his own contributions, Mr Akinlabi Akingbade, one of the Partners at J-K Gadzama LLP, stated that there is a need to get the economic viability of the country to avoid doomsday.
He observed that the current economic challenges in the country, especially with regards to inflation of goods, the fall in oil prices, the mismanagement of loans and the nation’s dilapidated heathcare system. He encouraged the Government to consider ways of boosting local manufacturing and production so as to limit our outward spending.
The J-K Gadzama LLP annual public lecture is a medium by which the Abuja based law firm sheds light on challenges bedeviling the nation, and offers solutions to the said challenges. The theme for this year revolves around the Covid-19 pandemic.
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