[NBA-SPIDEL-Town Hall Meeting] It’s Time To Enforce Cap II Of The 1999 Constitution — NBA-SPIDEL Chair, Ubani

*Says Enough Of Rhetoric And Empty Promises

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Dr. M.O. Ubani has called on Nigerian Leaders across various arms of governments to redirect governance in the country towards a better direction.

Ubani made this call in his welcome address at the Townhall Meeting of NBA-SPIDEL which held today, 28th of February, 2022 at Marriot Hotel, Lagos.

In the address, Ubani expressed delight and excitement about the meeting which is the first of its kind under his leadership.

“It is with excitement that I welcome everybody to this auspicious town hall meeting, first of its kind under my leadership as chairman of Section of Public Interest and Development Law(SPIDEL).”

Emphasising on the subject of the meeting which is in respect to the non-justiciability of Chapter Two of the Constitution despite its very elaborate and thoughtful provisions aimed at ensuring governments prioritise the welfare of the country’s citizens.

He stated that due to lack of enforcement by the Courts, successive governments have devised ways of abdicating the responsibilities placed on them by the Constitution.

“As Fundamental as these socio- economic rights  as provided in the constitution appear on the face value, the same constitution divest the courts of its  enforcement. Typical of every government in this part of the world, they shirk from their natural responsibilities, do we not generate light in homes with our generators? To get water, do we not  dig  boreholes in our homes? Do we not provide our security in homes and offices? For health, do  we not  go to native doctors for treatment?  We  thank God for herbs that abound here in large quantity. Do we not construct our roads and where it is impossible due to complexity, do we not buy SUVs to use having in mind our dilapidated roads? Tell me what we do not provide for ourselves here in Nigeria?”

He therefore urged stakeholders to begin the process of ensuring the enforcement of socio-economic rights under the Constitution even as the 2023 elections approach. He stated that this underscores the essence of the Townhall Meeting.

“The essence of this gathering is to remind major stakeholders in Nigeria that time to enforce the terms of the fundamental objectives and Directive principles of state policy is now. Enough of rhetorics and empty promises. As we approach 2023 general election, the agenda for governance must be set and met.  Nothing is Fundamental about our human rights in Chapter 4 if the socio-economic rights Chapter 2  are not given any  meaning. Your life and mine are empty if there are no medical facility to preserve it. Our existence is terribly threatened  if that life can be cut  short at any time by a bandit, armed robber, kidnapper or worse still a terrorist.”

In concluding, he tasked judicial officers and lawmakers to take steps to assuage the plight of Nigerians by ensuring they can seek of remedies upon violation of their rights under Chapter Two of the Constitution.

“In these hall, are our judicial officers who owe the citizens the responsibility to interprete the constitution to manifest the intent and purpose for its existence. We have
Politicians, lawyers, civil society group, journalists and other major  stakeholders in Project Nigeria that are here for same purpose.

For emphasis, they are here to redirect governance of the people  in the right direction. Let every right that is a right be enforced, simple.

Once again I  welcome everyone  to this great event. Let the conversation begin.”