Vice President Kashim Shettima has asked lawyers to defend the rule of law, justice, and judicial autonomy, saying these principles are essential to sustaining democracy.
Shettima said this in a keynote address titled: “Justice, truth and our divergent pursuits of the Ideal political system”, delivered at the 30th anniversary celebration of Yusuf Ali & Co., a prominent law firm owned by renowned legal luminary, Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN) (Ghalib Chambers), in Ilorin on Saturday.
His spokesperson Stanley Nwokocha quoted Shettima as commending President Bola Tinubu for not interfering in election proceedings and his refusal to weaponize state instruments against perceived allies on trial.
“This commitment to the principle of separation of powers binds us. We shall continue to adhere to it. We shall trust you [lawyers] to do your part in the service of the nation,” he said.
Shettima said Tinubu’s hands-off approach has strengthened Nigeria’s democracy, setting a precedent for future administrations to uphold the independence of the judiciary.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwola, who was the Chairman of the occasion, commended Prof Yusuf Ali, for excelling in his chosen profession, as well as defending the less privileged in the society.
Borno Governor Babagana Zulum praised Prof Ali for contributing a lot to the legal profession in Nigeria and hard work and show of integrity.
Also, the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by his Deputy, Kayode Alabi, used the opportunity to praise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing his Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is improving the lives of Nigerians.
“I hereby call on all Nigerians to support our dear President, who is ready to improve our quality of life through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Guest Speaker at the occasion, former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, called for the continuation of Nigeria’s presidential system of government.
He said those calling for the return of parliamentary rule in Nigeria, have no reason to do so because it had failed Nigerians in the past.
“I therefore express my strong support for Presidential system, with the current federal structure that we have,” he added.
