Text of the lecture delivered by Adeyinka Kotoye, SAN, at the 2024 Law Week of the Ijebu Ode Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association
The law, bar, society
The lecture will be divided into three sub areas as shown in the topic and at the end of the exercise, we will be able to see how several actors at the bar, in the past, had used the instrumentality of the law to influence the society. We will also highlight, how those of us, who are the current actors at the bar, can and should use the instrumentality of the law to influence our immediate society, especially now that there are so much uncertainties.
The Law
Contrary to the general opinion, that the first set of laws, were as handed out to Moses at Mount Sinai and as are contained and/or illustrated in the Old Testament, I am of the humble view, that the terrestrial as we know it now, was actually brought into being by a decree. Irrespective of the religion or philosophy that we subscribe to, the story of creation is nearly similar in all the narratives. The commands as are contained in Genesis 1, starting from verses 3 to 14, are actually in the form of a decree. By specific commanding instructions, God commanded light, into being, at verses 6 and 7, separated what we now know as the earth from the sky, at verse 9, decreed water to come into existence and at verse 14, decreed day and night to come into being. Throughout the gamut of Genesis 1, we see a single individual decreeing things into being, including human beings and at Genesis 2 verses 16 and 17, God gave a prohibitive order of what Adam and Eve should eat and what they should not eat. That is, as I said earlier, the first incident of a law maker at work.
This narrative, is similar to what we have in the Torah, as well as the Hadith, where under the Islamic religion, the laws and sayings of the Prophet Mohammed (SWT) have been codified. It is also part of what forms the tenet of the African Religious System. The Ifa Corpus, ie the “ejiogbe”, the Ogun Injunctions, the Obatala Prohibitions and Admonitions, are all predicated on the philosophy of “Dos” and “Don’ts”, taboos etc. They might be informal, but they represent a set of lexis pursuant to which a society is organized, administered and governed. In the early chapters of Genesis, we see God organizing the first written or known society/community. This appears to me, to be the diverging points with those who believe the Evolution Theory and those who believe in the Big Bang Theory. Whichever Schism you choose to believe, one thing is constant; there was a community and/or a society.
Evolution Theory
The Evolution Theory said man evolved from apes. Apes and other forms of higher mammals lived a communal life in a community as a society. They had laws that regulated their conduct. The existence that was brought into being by the Big Bang Theory, in whatever form it might be, also operated in a communal setting, a form of a society. They had laws, rules and regulations, even though they weren’t so codified and well laid out. Therefore, laws, codes, statutes, injunctions, regulations had been part of human existence from time immemorial. The first set of codified laws, at least as the theologians have made us to believe in this part of the world, is as contained in Exodus Chapter 20 verses 2 – 17 and they are what is called “The Ten Commandments”. In our traditional setting, our laws as are contained in the various proverbs, taboos, prohibitions, practices, “ise”, “ewo”, etc, and the essence most importantly, is to either prohibit the doing of a thing and/or give consequences for the doing of such a thing. For instance, the Yoruba saying, “Enitoba she nkan ti enikan o sheri, oju e a ri nnkan ti oju enikan o ri ri”. Meaning, if you attempt to do the outlandish, you will suffer the great consequence.
Fair Hearing
We also have our own form of Fair Hearing. The saying –“A gbo ejo enikan da, agba osika”, is rooted in the Latin Maxim – äudi altarem partem”. This is what has informed all the various sets of laws, right from the days of the canonical laws, whence the Roman Laws are derived from and which form the basis of our present set of codified laws historically. Whether we are talking about the various constitutions, written and unwritten, the bills of rights, the several conventions, the idea is always rooted in how the society intends to organize itself, govern itself, administer itself and relationship with each member of the society. Afortriori, whether in the field of Medicine, Engineering, Administration, Politics, Education, Teaching, Business or any other form of human endeavor/activity, law does not only play a prominent role but is the actual bedrock of such an activity. This is why law was the first profession in the Bible. Adam was the first advocate in Genesis 3 verses 9 – 12, when he advocated and exonerated himself from the sin committed with his wife and probably, this was one of the reasons why he got away with a lesser punishment unlike Eve that was banished into a life of perpetual servitude. In Deuteronomy, Moses also appointed the first set of Judges, and at Proverbs chapter 21, verse 15, the author said those judges derive joy when they do justice.
The Bar
Under this subhead, we will examine the evolution of the English Bar, the Canadian bar, the American bar, the Australian bar, the South African Bar as well as the Nigerian Bar and illustrate the contribution of some of the actors in the various Bar to the development of their different societies.
These six Bars, were chosen randomly because of their relative historical linkage and background to the English bar. They all are, also common law jurisdiction. With the slight exception of the South African Bar, all the others had their early actors trained as English lawyers most especially the first known lawyer in Nigeria, late Christopher Alexander Sapara Williams, who was enrolled to practice on the 30th of January, 1888.
The English Bar
The evolution of the English Bar is deeply intertwined with the development of its legal system, reflecting changes in society, governance, and the law itself. Its early development could be traced to the medieval period. The term “Bar” in the real legal context is often traced to the medieval court rooms. This is as described by the legal historian Sir William Holdsworth in his seminal work “A History of English Law” (1903-1912)1. The origin of the English Bar dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries when the common law began to develop. The establishment of the King’s courts (Curia Regis) necessitated the need for professional legal representation. The various Inns of Court, which emerged in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, played a crucial role in the education and regulation of lawyers. The four main Inns—Inner Temple, Middle Temple, Lincoln’s Inn, and Gray’s Inn—became the training and licensing bodies for barristers.In the 16th to 18th centuries, the need to formalize and regulate the Bar became more apparent due to the increase in the activity of members of the Bar. Therefore, during the Tudor period, the legal profession became more formalized.
The Inns of Court developed a structured system of legal education, including readings, moot courts, and dining requirements. By the 16th century, the distinction between barristers (advocates) and solicitors (agents who prepare cases), became more pronounced. Barristers were called to the Bar by their Inns after completing their education and pupillage2.These reforms continued in the 19th and 20th century. Legislations such as the Judicature Acts of 1873-1875, which reorganized the court system and aimed to simplify legal procedures came into existence. Such regulatory framework which sought to establish the legal profession were also put in place.
Bar Council
The formation of the General Council of the Bar (Bar Council).in 1894 marked a significant step in professionalizing and regulating barristers. The Bar Council set standards for practice and discipline within the profession. However, becoming a barrister still required membership in an Inn of Court and completion of the Bar examinations and pupillage.In the 20th century, modernization and inclusion became the order of the day.
The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 allowed women to become barristers, and the first woman was called to the Bar in 1922.
In the 1960s and 1970s, several reforms aimed at increasing accessibility and diversity within the legal profession came into being. For instance, the Bar Council introduced numerous initiatives to promote equal opportunities and address discrimination and this continued till the 21st century.
Canadian Bar
The history of the Canadian bar is a fascinating journey reflecting the evolution of its legal system, shaped by colonial influences, constitutional developments and societal changes. Its early development could be divided into both the Colonial Era and Pre-Confederation Era. Like the Nigerian legal system, the Canadian legal system partly took its origin from the English common law, while also some other parts especially those colonized by France, adopted the French civil law.
The Canadian legal system is divided into Upper Canada (Ontario) and Lower Canada (Quebec). Upper Canada was influenced by the British legal traditions and early legal practitioners in Upper Canada were often trained in England. They were admitted by the Law Society of Upper Canada, established in 1797 to regulate the legal profession and maintain professional standards, while Lower Canada retained the French civil law system following the British conquest in 1763.
The Law Society was pivotal in shaping the early legal profession in the province. For instance, the confederation and legal unification which took place between 1867 and the 20th century, led to the formation of several law societies. After Confederation in 1867, the Constitution Act of 1867 (formerly known as the British North America Act) established Canada as a federal dominion. Each province established its own law society to oversee the regulation of legal practitioners.
Law Society of Upper Canada
The Law Society of Upper Canada (now the Law Society of Ontario) continued to play a significant role, and similar bodies were established in other provinces. ..m In Quebec, the Barreau du Québec, established in 1849, continued to regulate the profession post-confederation, maintaining the distinct civil law tradition of the province.
However, the legal profession underwent a process of unification, with the emergence of national legal bodies and standards.
Federation of Law Societies of Canada
The establishment of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC) in 1926 was a significant step towards creating uniform standards and fostering cooperation among provincial law societies. Each Canadian province has its own Bar association and law society responsible for regulating the legal profession within its jurisdiction. Provincial Bars oversee admission to the legal profession, professional conduct, and disciplinary matters. The early 20th century saw a movement towards standardizing legal education and admission requirements across Canada.
Law societies began to require formal legal education, moving away from the apprenticeship model that was prevalent in the 19th century. By the mid-20th century, the legal profession in Canada had become more structured and standardized. The National Committee on Accreditation (NCA), established by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FSLC), assesses the qualifications of foreign-trained lawyers and Canadians with non-Canadian law degrees, ensuring they meet Canadian standards. The legal profession saw increased professionalization, with the requirement of law degrees from recognized universities and successful completion of bar examinations becoming standard across all provinces. Professionalization of the bar led to the adoption of standardized licensing examinations and continuing legal education requirements8, with a growing emphasis on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for practicing lawyers.
Law societies across Canada mandate CPD hours to ensure lawyers remain competent and up-to-date with legal developments. Specialization within the legal profession has increased, with many lawyers focusing on niche areas of law. This has led to the formation of specialized legal associations and certification programs, enhancing the expertise and service quality within the profession. There is also an increase in diversity and inclusion. The modern Bar in Canada is increasingly focused on promoting diversity and inclusion within the profession. Initiatives by law societies and legal organizations aim to address historical inequities and ensure that the legal profession reflects the diversity of the Canadian society. Efforts to improve access to justice and provide legal services to underserved communities have also become central to the mission of law societies across the country.
American Bar
The history of America’s Bar is a rich tapestry of constitutional principles, legal precedent, and institutional development. The legal profession in America traces its roots to the colonial period, where legal practitioners often received informal training through apprenticeships or by studying law books imported from England.
The American legal profession was heavily influenced by English legal traditions. Many early American lawyers were trained in England or learned the law through apprenticeships with practicing lawyers.
The legal profession was not highly formalized, and the requirements to practice law varied widely among the colonies.
The American Revolution and the establishment of the United States led to the development of new legal institutions and principles. Influential documents such as The Declaration of Independence (1776)12 and The Constitution of the United States (1787), including the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments were ratified. After the American Revolution, there was a push to develop a distinctly American legal system. Law schools began to emerge, and the first law professorship was established at the College of William & Mary in 1779.
The formation of Bar associations played a significant role in setting standards of professional conduct thereby regulating the profession, promoting legal education, and providing networking opportunities for lawyers.
State governments began to regulate the legal profession more closely, setting requirements for admission to the Bar and standards of professional conduct. This contributed to the professionalization of the legal profession.
New York City Bar Association
The first bar association, the New York City Bar Association, was established in 1870.
The American Bar Association
The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded in 1878, providing a national organization to oversee the profession.
State Bar associations began to implement formal licensing requirements, including Bar examinations, to ensure the competency and ethical conduct of lawyers.
South African Bar
The evolution of the South African Bar is also marked by its historical context, from colonial influences to the modern-day system. Its early development can be traced to the influence by Roman-Dutch law, introduced by the Dutch settlers of the Dutch East India Company during the Dutch colonial period in the 17th century. It was informal, with few professional legal practitioners and no formal legal education within the colony.
This legal tradition formed the basis of the legal system in the Cape Colony and the system continued to influence the legal profession even after the British took control in the early 19th century. The British took control of the Cape Colony in the early 19th century, introducing English common law and legal practices. The British colonial administration introduced English common law principles, leading to a dual legal system. The dual system of Roman – Dutch substantive law and English procedural law began to develop. The first law practitioners were often trained in England, and the practice of law began to be formalized with the establishment of courts and legal procedures modeled after the British system. However, lawyers trained in either Roman-Dutch or English law could practice, creating a unique hybrid of legal framework.
The South African Bar Association
The formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910, brought together the legal traditions of the former colonies, as it brought further consolidation and unification of the legal system. The legal profession became more organized, with the establishment of Bar associations in major cities. The South African Bar Association was formed to represent the interests of barristers, known as advocates, who had traditionally followed the British model of legal practice.
The Cape Law Society
The Cape Law Society, formed in 1900, played a significant role in regulating the legal profession in the Cape Colony. Similar organizations emerged in other regions to oversee the admission, practice and discipline of legal practitioners.
During the apartheid era, the legal profession was heavily influenced by the regime’s policies. Many laws and legal practices were implemented to uphold the apartheid system.
The apartheid regime implemented laws that restricted non-white individuals from practicing law, significantly impacting the composition and regulation of the legal profession.
The General Council of the Bar
The General Council of the Bar (GCB), established in 1946, became a central body for advocates, while attorneys were regulated by provincial law societies. Despite the repressive political environment, members of the legal profession played a crucial role in challenging many apartheid laws and defending political detainees and activists.
Such individuals like Nelson Mandela, Thambo Mbeki and George Bizo, played active roles, as lawyers, during the apartheid struggle. The end of apartheid in 1994 and the establishment of a democratic government marked a significant shift towards democratizing and transforming the legal profession.
Efforts were made to diversify the Bar and make it more representative of South Africa’s demographics. The new Constitution of South Africa (1996) enshrined human rights and the rule of law, profoundly impacting the legal profession.
Australian Bar
The history and evolution of the Australian Bar reflects the broader development of the nation’s legal system, shaped by its colonial past and the gradual establishment of its own legal identity. The Australian legal system also originated from English common law, introduced during the colonial period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The first fleet of ships in 1788 brought British legal traditions and legal professionals to Australia. The initial legal practitioners were often British-trained solicitors and barristers, who played multiple roles due to the nascent state of the colony.20 The first Australian-born barristers began to emerge in the mid-19th century, reflecting the gradual development of a local legal profession.
By the mid-19th century, law societies were established to regulate the profession.
Law Society of New South Wales
The Law Society of New South Wales, founded in 1842, was among the first. Following the federation of Australia in 1901, each state retained its legal system but began to unify standards and practices. Law societies and Bar associations in each state played crucial roles in regulating the profession.22 The 20th century saw the increased professionalization and regulation of the legal profession.
Australian Bar Association
The establishment of the Australian Bar Association (ABA) in 1963 provided a national body to represent barristers and unify the profession across states and territories. Admission to practice law required completing a law degree and practical legal training, followed by admission to the Supreme Court of the respective state or territory. Law societies and bar associations in each state and territory played key roles in regulating admission to practice, maintaining professional standards, and disciplining members.
Legal Profession Uniform Law
The modern era witnessed an increased effort to create a more unified national legal profession which culminated in the Legal Profession Uniform Law, which was implemented in New South Wales and Victoria in 2015. This law aims to harmonize the regulatory framework across states and territories, establishing common standards for legal practice, admission, and professional conduct. The Uniform Law has been considered for adoption by other states and territories, reflecting ongoing efforts to create a more unified national legal profession.
The Legal Services Council oversees the implementation and administration of the Uniform Law, promoting consistency and fairness across jurisdictions.
Nigerian Bar
The history of the Nigerian Bar is deeply intertwined with its colonial past, post-independence developments, legal reforms, and the evolution of its legal system. The legal profession in Nigeria during the colonial era was heavily influenced by British common law principles and institutions introduced during the British colonial rule which began in the mid – 19th century.
The British introduced English common law and legal institutions to the colony. The first formal legal practitioners were British – trained lawyers who practiced in the colonial courts. Legal practice during this period was dominated by expatriates.
The Supreme Court Ordinance of 1863 established a formal court system in the Colony of Lagos, which was later extended to other regions.
Native courts were also established to handle cases involving indigenous laws and customs, creating a dual legal system.26 The legal profession began to grow with the establishment of more courts and the expansion of legal practice. The first Nigerian lawyers were called to the English Bar and returned to practice in Nigeria.
Formation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
The formation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in 1933 marked a significant milestone in the organization and regulation of the legal profession.
The NBA sought to represent the interests of lawyers and uphold professional standards.With Nigeria’s independence in 1960, leading to significant legal reforms, the constitution of 1960 and subsequent constitutions laid the foundation for a legal system that combined English common law with Nigerian customary law. There was a push for indigenous representation within the legal profession.
The Legal Practitioners Act of 1962, established the framework for the regulation of the legal profession, including the creation of the Body of Benchers, responsible for admitting lawyers to the Nigerian Bar. Notable Nigerian legal figures emerged, including: Chief Obafemi Awolowo SAN, a prominent lawyer and nationalist leader, Chief Rotimi Williams SAN, a distinguished legal practitioner known for his advocacy.
Legal reforms were initiated to indigenize the legal profession and establish regulatory bodies. This included the creation of the Nigerian Law school which was established in 1962 to provide training for law graduates. Completion of the Law School and passing the Bar Examination became mandatory for admission to practice law in Nigeria. This development marked a significant step towards the professionalization and standardization of legal education and practice in Nigeria. The Legal Practitioners Act of 1962 established “the Body of Benchers.
The Society
In this section, we will highlight how the contributions of members of the several Bars discussed above used the instrumentality of the law to influence their societies. For instance, several American lawyers and by extension, the American Bar Association, played active roles in the Civil Rights Movement. Their legal activism led to the promulgation of such legislations like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Supreme Court decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and Roe v. Wade (1973), which had just been overturned in 2022. Those two pieces of legislation and the two cases among others, still play significant roles in shaping several government policies within the American society. The debate around pro – life, pro – choice, LGBTQ, immigration and several policies formulated by different states in America have their roots in those legislations and the decisions of the Supreme Court. Arising from the above, is also the issue of diversity and inclusion and the American Bar, leading in that regard, has formulated several policies, with increased opportunities and which had opened doors for minorities and women to participate and be active at the Bar. The Canadian Bar, had also followed these footsteps, with the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA), established to assess the qualifications of foreign – trained lawyers and Canadians with non – Canadian law degrees, ensuring they meet Canadian standards. This has occasioned an increase in occupational migration, diversity and inclusion. The same could be said of the South African Bar, which in its post – apartheid era, made efforts to diversify the Bar and make it more representative of South Africa’s demographics. The Legal Practice Act of 2014, was a landmark piece of legislation that unified the legal profession, creating a single regulatory body for both advocates and attorneys—the Legal Practice Council (LPC). This body was established to oversee the profession and ensure compliance with new standards. The LPC aims to ensure fair access to the legal profession, uphold high standards of professional conduct and protect the public interest. Efforts to promote diversity within the legal profession have been central to the post – apartheid transformation. Initiatives to increase representation of historically disadvantaged groups have been implemented. Access to justice has also been a focus, with legal aid and public interest law organizations working to ensure that all South Africans exercise their legal rights. In Nigeria, the period of military rule from 1966 to 1979, and from 1979 to 1998 posed serious challenges to the independence of both the bar and the entire judiciary. The citizens witnessed high level of repression and intimidation from the various military junta, simply for advocating and or fighting against human rights abuses and government excesses. Out of all the three arms of government, it’s important to note that, it’s only the judiciary that survived the military onslaught of that period and thanks to jurists like late C.O Oputa, Kayode Eso, who in several judgments, put the imprimatur of the law to bear and stood their grounds.
In this connection is also a judge, like Justice Jinadu of the Lagos State High Court, who courageously resigned from the Bench, when his orders were flouted by Chief John Odigie – Oyegun, who was then the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Defence. Chief John Odigwe – Oyegun, subsequently became an elected governor of the old Bendel State, under the ill – fated transition program of IBB between 1990 to 1993. The same John Odige – Oyegun, became the first chairman of the present ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Permit me the indulgence, to use the character mentioned above as an analogy of the consequences of the fraudulent and adulterated presidential system which we currently practice. However, it is not all that gloomy. We have had members of the Nigerian Bar who had contributed immensely to the Nigerian society. In the area of advocacy and legal representation, we have erudite advocates like late Chief FRA Williams, late G.O.K Ajayi SAN, Kehinde Sofola SAN, Chief Afe Babalola SAN, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN. In the area of constitutionalism, law reports and policy development, we have had giants like late Professor Ben Nwabueze SAN, late Professor Jelili Omotola SAN, Professor Smith SAN, Prof Itse Sagay SAN. In the area of Advocacy for Human Rights and Social Justice, we have the likes of late Gani Fawhinmi SAN, late Kanmi Ishola Osobu, Chief Femi Falana, SAN etc. In the area of solicitor’s work, commercial litigation, corporate practice, commerce and other forms of advisory services, we have wealthy lawyers like late Chief Adeyemi Lawson, late High Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, Mr. Akin Oyebode, etc. I also commend to this body the career path of this generation of bar leaders; Mrs. Hairat Ade – Balogun, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, Mr. Femi Falana SAN and Olumide Apata. I do not intend to go into their biographies, because I know that they are contemporary lawyers like you and I and whom I hold in high esteem.
Conclusions and Recommendations
It will be improper for me to conclude this lecture without offering my own humble suggestion on what, in my view, the Nigerian Bar Association, starting from the Ijebu – Ode branch, should include as part of its objectives in advocating for a better society. This is moreso, given the unending debates and discussions, about how to organize our federal system, govern and administer ourselves as a society. This debate has become so germane because, we all agree that our present system of Federalism cannot work. The only point of divergence is about the approach to resolve that issue. While some believe in what is called restructuring, some others believe in devolution of powers and or decentralization of authority. Some also advocate that we should revert to a regional system of government. I am also of the view that, the members of the Nigerian bar, especially its leading lights and by extension, the leadership of the NBA, cannot afford to be an onlooker, in the discussion. As mentioned earlier, whilst discussing the contributions of members of the Bar, in other jurisdictions, the NBA, is too important, in the scheme of things, to remain silent and not participate in the debate. We should actually take the lead. Whichever school of thought, I am of the further view that the three points highlighted below, can be a starting point.
Decentralization of our Judicial System.
We must decentralize our judicial system. What we have now is quasi unitary in nature. Sections 271 (1 & 2), 276 (1 & 2), 281 (1 & 2) of the constitution, dealing with the appointment of the Chief Judges and High Court Judges of a state, Grandi Khadi and members of the Sharia Court of Appeal of a State, President and Judges of the Customary Court of a State, are anachronistic in nature and a complete aberration to the fundamental principles of Federalism.
By vesting the power of recommendation in a bohemian body known as the National Judicial Council, it has completely eroded the status of each State, as an independent entity/unit in a federating structure. Secondly, it also limited the ambit of the legislative authority of the various Houses of Assembly, on such matters as provided for at Sections 270 (2) (b); 275 (2) (b) and 280 (2) (b). This is moreso, given the composition and powers of both the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) at Paragraphs 12, 13, 20 and 21 of the 3rd Schedule of the Constitution. Furthermore, I see no reason(s) why states should not be allowed to develop their own Appellate structures, similar to what we used to have in the defunct Western region. Matters covered at Sections 241 (1) (a – f), 242 (1 & 2), 248, 254 (a – f), 260 – 269, should be within the purview of the state, except where it involves the Federal Government. Two or more states, may agree, by way of a memorandum, to establish a joint appellate structure. A region or a zone, like the south west, may also undertake this jointly. This is one sure means of reducing the burden of the different Appellate Courts workload.
Devolution of Powers Down to the Local, State governments
I have tried in vain, to understand the reason(s), why matters like Aviation, Bankruptcy and insolvency, Banks, borrowing of money within Nigeria, Construction, Copyright, Designation of Securities in which trust funds may be invested, Election to the office of Governor and Deputy Governor and any other type to which a person may be elected under the constitution, evidence, fingerprints, identification and criminal records, fishing and fisheries, incorporation, regulation and winding up, insurance, labour, mines and minerals, patents, trademarks, trade or business names, industrial designs and merchandise marks, pensions, police, prisons, public holidays, railways, stamp duties contained at Items 2 – 7, 11, 13, 19, 22, 23, 28, 29, 32 – 34, 39, 43 – 46, 48, 51, 55, 58 – 67, are included in the exclusive legislative list. I believe that they should be made concurrent, so that states may also have powers to go into those areas too.
For instance, provision of rail services has the potential of increasing economic activities, generating income and increasing the employment rate, if states are allowed and encouraged to provide same within their territories. Two or more states or a zone like the South West, may thereafter make arrangements to link each other by train. This will also enhance migration of labour and increase mobility. The rate of commerce will increase and so on.
Reform of Electoral Process
Our electoral process at the moment is designed to operate from top to bottom. I am of the humble view that it should be from the bottom to the top. I suggest that we revert to the electoral cycle of 1998, during which the first election conducted was that of the local government, followed by the Gubernatorial and various states Houses of Assembly election which held on the same day, whilst the Presidential and National Assembly elections that also held on the same day, was used to conclude the process. I have read some news item, where it is reported that some top government functionaries, in this administration, have proposed that the election into all the 774 local government councils, be conducted by INEC. I totally and wholeheartedly disagree with this suggestion. It is not only retrogressive but also a complete anathema to the avowed principle of Federalism, anywhere in the world. As a matter of fact, the appropriate thing is that, each state, should have its own electoral laws, that will regulate/govern all its electoral processes, including Gubernatorial and Houses of Assembly election.
