The new Vice President, Professor Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo was born into the family of Adeyemi Osinbajo on March 8, 1957 at Creek Hospital, Lagos.
He began his education at the prestigious Corona Primary School, Lagos and between 1969 to 1975, he attended the famous Igbobi College, Yaba Lagos, mainland.
From 1975 to 1978, he read Law at the University of Lagos, where he was awarded a LLB Law degree. From 1979–1980, he attended the Nigerian Law School. In 1981, he was awarded a Master of Laws at the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom.
Working Career
Osinbajo has had a distinguished career, which has spanned over 30 years.
After undergoing the compulsory National Youth Service as a legal officer at the defunct Bendel Development and Planning Authority (BDPA), in 1981, he was employed as a law lecturer at the University of Lagos.
From 1983 to 86, he was a senior law lecturer at the same institution. Thereafter from 1988 to 1992, he was appointed as an Adviser (legal advice and litigation) to the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola.
From 1997 to 1999, he was made Professor of Law and Head of Department of Public Law also at UNILAG. And at the inception of democratic rule in 1999, he was head hunted by the former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to serve as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
After his tour of duty in the Lagos State government in 2007, Osinbajo returned to the Faculty of Law of UNILAG as a Professor of Law and in the same year, he was made the Senior Partner in the law firm of Simmons Cooper Partners (Barristers and Solicitors).
Other past roles
The Vice President once served as a Staff Member with the United Nations Operations in Somalia, Justice Division, UNOSOM II. In 2006, he served as a member of the United Nations Secretary General’s Committee of Experts on Conduct and Discipline of UN, Peacekeeping Personnel around the globe.
Background role in APC
After the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, Prof. Osinbajo was tasked, along with other notable Nigerians, to design and produce a manifesto for the new political party.
This culminated in the presentation of the ‘Roadmap to a New Nigeria’, a document published by APC as its manifesto if elected to power.
On 17 December 2014, the then Presidential Candidate of the party, Muhammadu Buhari, announced him as his running mate and vice-presidential candidate for the 2015 general elections.
Educational Awards
A very brilliant student in his primary and secondary schools, the vice president received several awards, including the State Merit Award in 1971; the School Prize for English Oratory in 1972; Adeoba Prize for English Oratory from 1972 to 1975; Elias Prize for Best Performance in History in the West African School Certificate Examination in 1973; School Prize for Literature (HSC) in 1975 and African Statesman Intercollegiate Best Speaker’s Prize in 1974.
Membership of Professional Bodies
He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Bar Association (IBA), Nigerian Body of Benchers Council of Legal Education in Nigeria and also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Chapters contributed to Books
A distinguished scholar who is well respected within and outside the country, the Vice President has written many intellectual works and is also a contributor to other scholarly works written by his professional colleagues.
Some of his major contributions which have become reference points include his authorship of The Common Law, The Evidence Act and The Interpretation of Section 5(a) in Essays in Honour of Judge Elias published in 1986.
His other write-ups include Reforms in The Nigerian Law of Evidence Chapter in Law and Development; Rules of Evidence in Criminal Trials in the Nigerian Special Military Tribunals in Essays on Nigerian Law authored by late Prof. Jelili Omotola, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos; Some Public Law Considerations in Environmental Protection, which he contributed in the book titled ‘Environmental Laws in Nigeria’ also written by late Omotola.
Others are Domestic and International Protection for Women: ‘Landmarks on the Journey so far’ in Women and Children under Nigerian Law; Some Problems of Proof of Bank Frauds and Other Financial Malpractices in Bank Frauds and Other Financial Malpractices in Nigeria; FMJL Review Series, Modalities For The Implementation of The Transition Provisions in The New Constitution in Law Development and Administration; Proof of Customary Law in non-Customary Courts – Towards a Restatement of Nigerian Customary Laws; External Debt Management: Case Study of Nigeria – International Finance and External Debt Management, UNDP/UNCTC; Judicial and Quasi-judicial Processing of Economic and organised Crimes: Experiences, Problems etc. Essays in Honour of Judge Bola Ajibola; Human Rights, Economic Development and the Corruption Factor in Human Rights and the Rule of Law and Development in Africa, to mention but a few.
Articles published in law journals
Prof. Osinbajo wrote countless articles in the many prestigious law journals, some of which include Unraveling Evidence of Spouses in Nigeria, Legal Practitioners Review; Can States Legislate on Rules of Evidence? Nigerian Current Law Review; Problems of Proof in Declaration of Title to Land, Journal of Private and Property Law Vol. 6 & 7; Interpretation of Section 131(a) of the Evidence Act; Journal of Private and Property Law Vol. 6 & 7; Review of Some Decrees of the Structural Adjustment Era.
Other are Current Issues in Transnational Lending and Debt Restructuring Agreements Part 1 and 2; Autonomy, Academic Freedom and the Laws Establishing Universities in Nigeria; Admissibility of Computer Generated Evidence; Allegations of Crime in Civil Proceedings, U.I. Law Review 1987; Roles, Duties and Liabilities of Collateral Participants and Professional Advisers in Unit Trust Schemes; Reform of the Criminal Law of Evidence in Nigeria; Profit and Loss Sharing Banks; Juvenile Justice Administration in Nigeria, amongst several others.
Books published/edited
The Vice President also authored and co-authored many books including ‘Cross Examination: A Trial Lawyer’s Most Potent Weapon’ with Mr. Fola-Arthur Worrey, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
Other books to his credit are the Nigerian Media Law; Cases and Materials on Nigerian Law of Evidence; Integration of the African Continent Through Law; Towards A Better Administration of Justice System in Nigeria; Women and Children Under Nigerian Law; The Unification and Reform of the Nigerian Criminal Law and Procedure Codes; Law Development and Administration; Narcotics: Law and Policy in Nigeria and Perspectives on Human Rights in Nigeria; Annotated Rules of the Superior Courts of Nigeria co-authored with Mr. Ade Ipaye, the current Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, of misleading the public regarding the actual debt owed by the Federal Government.
A statement issued on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, said Osinbajo’s action was an attempt by the incoming All Progressives Congress (APC) to discredit the PDP led Federal Government.
The statement said the Vice President-elect failed to be “bold and honest enough” to also inform the nation that the bulk of the $63.7 billion total debt was incurred by APC states.
The party said: “It is indeed unfortunate that the Vice President-elect who has the details of the debt stock chose to be economical with the truth and to mislead Nigerians just to discredit the current PDP-led administration and rationalize APC’s unpreparedness for governance.
“Prof. Osinbajo is aware that the $63.7 billion is made up of external and domestic debts belonging not only to the federal government but to federal and state governments and accumulating since the 1960s, yet he deliberately misrepresented the facts to give the unsuspecting public the impression that the amount was exclusively incurred by the current federal government.
“Perhaps the Vice President-elect avoided the details so as not to expose the fact that the APC controlled Lagos State has both the highest external debt stock of $1,169, billion as well as the highest domestic debt stock of N278, 867 billion.
“Furthermore we find it unacceptable and unstatesmanly for the Vice President-elect to attempt to mislead Nigerians into believing that the total federal debt component was accumulated under the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration, when it is on record that a greater chunk of the amount was inherited.”
According to the PDP, part of the contemporary borrowing from the domestic bond market was occasioned by the global economic and financial crisis, as well as the downturn in crude oil revenue, which adversely affected other economies of the world.
Berating the in-coming administration for dwelling on excuses and reneging on campaign promises, the PDP wondered if the APC and the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, did not know about the economic challenges caused by the dwindling oil revenues before making their bogus promises to Nigerians.
The statement added: “The APC must fulfill its promises for which Nigerians voted for them. Were they not aware of the debt stock and the dwindling oil revenues before making their huge promises to the people? Were the promises only intended as carrots to mislead the people and deceitfully win their votes after which they are dumped?”
The Bishop of Lagos Mainland Diocese, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Bishop Adebayo Akinde, has urged President-elect Muhammadu Buhari and his deputy, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, not to betray the confidence Nigerians have in them.
He spoke at the third session of the diocese’s Third Synod in Yaba at the weekend.
He said: “I urge them to make the peoples’ welfare their priority. Endeavour to tackle urgently, issues pertaining to the welfare of the generalities of Nigerians.
“Make a visible effort to rise up squarely to the challenge of insecurity. Attend to the provisions of basic infrastructure, such as regular power supply, potable water, good roads, improved health care and facilities and revamped educational system.”
Rev. Akinde called on Nigerians to be patient with the incoming administration, cooperate with it by paying their taxes promptly, be law-abiding, and show concern for government properties and infrastructure.
He praised President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat in the March 28 election.
The cleric also praised Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola “for the legacies he is leaving behind’’.
He urged the Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, to consolidate on Fashola’s achievements “and indeed, raise the bar higher in good governance and provision of amenities whereby living in Lagos becomes more pleasant’’.
Speaking on “Teach the youth today and fashion the future”, Bishop Akinde said the youth must know that they are future leaders and prepare themselves for this task.
It gives me great pleasure to address this letter to you as you prepare to move into office with Nigeria’s Mr. Integrity. I refrained from getting across to you by any means since the All Progressives Congress stakeholders settled for you as the man most suited to pair General Buhari in piloting the affairs of this country because I was trying to watch development. I already knew then that the APC would win the presidential election and did not hesitate to say so, but I was more concerned about what to expect after inauguration of the administration.
Prof, I have just read your concern over the debt being handed your government and do not envy you. However, please note that Nigerians won’t be satisfied with explanations and excuses. They expect the government to hit the ground running. I sincerely hope you could rise up to the crisis of expectation.
The Nigerian people are hungry and angry. Their disaffection with the Jonathan administration was quite manifest in the voter behaviour of March 28 The positive side was the manner they debunked the myth that an incumbent could never lose a presidential election. The other side is the daunting task of clearing the mess on ground. The economy is in a shambles; the health system has turned all hospitals to mere consulting clinics; potable water is unavailable for households and the unemployment bomb keeps ticking. Yet, the outgoing government was satisfied with playing the rhetoric game.
Prof, much is not just being expected of this administration, but of you. Many see you as an intellectual and a pastor. Those who have insight to your contributions during the Tinubu government in Lagos State and what you mean to that tendency testify to your sterling qualities. To me, in addition to the depth which is required of whoever must pair with the General-President, your reputation as a principles human being counts even for more. It is my prayer that the office would not rob you of the qualities that made the choice of the urbane Professor of Law of Evidence generally applauded.
As a Pastor, you owe it not just to man, but God, to be true to yourself in office. Many men of God were lost to the eorld as soon as they stepped into high offices of state. Rather than see themselves on Kingdom Assignment, they dissolved into the darkness that has enveloped the world. If you see yourself as an ambassador, it will be easier to handle the task. An ambassador keeps regularly in tour with the home government, takes briefing on all critical issues and ensures that his views do not contradict those of the head of government or head of the foreign ministry. The same applies to a Christian on mission. He realizes that he is not his own man and keeps asking the Principal (his creator) what to do. Thereby he does not go astray.
As a reminder, dear Pastor-Professor, remember that God expects faithfulness from His children. You were elected based on a pact with the people of Nigeria. Your ticket promised to be faithful to section 14 of the constitution- working assiduously towards meeting the security challenges of the country and raising living standards of the people.
Please, in this period of transition, get your men fully briefed and seized of the state of power architecture and road network. It is a shame that a country as big as Nigeria is unable to consistently generate 4,000 megawatts of electricity. Despite the recent rebasing of the economy which reportedly makes Nigeria the biggest and most boisterous economy on this continent, we have merely been throwing money at this challenge which is at the very root of underdevelopment. The Buhari administration must make a difference within a short period. Energy cost and policy must be reviewed to ensure that Nigerians begin to live like others from Ghana and South Africa. The federal roads can do with a dose of sincerity. Lies have never been known to road construction for too long .
I know you will have more than a large say in the reform of the justice sector. Our God is himself God of peace. Therefore, remember to pay close attention to the joke that passes for the Police Force and its handling of criminal investigation. You know that extra-judicial killing is still rife in the country. With your meticulous attention to this,
it must end. The accused must be quickly put to trial and sentenced or discharged as may be determined by the judiciary. It grieves me whenever I realize that the big thieves are deemed great and thus rewarded with cheftaincy titles and made to sit on specially designed front row chairs in churches, while the pickpockets are slammed with long years in jail. As a matter of state policy, a programme that would make those who have been standing trial since 2006/7 speedily brought to justice must be enunciated within the administration’s first 100 days. There must be a policy to protect the poor and underprivileged in the society. They are, by the iniquitous system in place, rendered hopeless; serially raped by the high and mighty who are too ready to throw around their weight. A government that fails to protect the oppressed is ungodly and awaits the day of reckoning.
My dear Professor, I cannot end this letter without pointing out the pledge to accord Lagos a special status. It is the most cosmopolitan in the country and deserves to be paid special attention.
These are some of the issues I want to bring up in the final push towards inauguration. I will keep praying that the Almighty strengthens and endows you with the Wisdom from On High needed to perform righteously and creditably.
Regards to my sister and other members of the family.
The Vice President elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday disclosed that the incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration will be inheriting a whopping $60 billion as foreign and domestic debt from the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
Speaking at the opening of a two -day policy dialogue on the implementation of the agenda for change, Osinbajo also said current estimate revealed that about 110 million Nigerians are suffering from poverty.
He also lamented the state of the Nigerian economy, saying it was unfortunate that the nation has to spend 21 percent of its 2015 budget on debt servicing, while two- thirds of the states in the country cannot pay salaries due to dwindled resources.
He said: “We are concerned that our economy is currently in perhaps its worst moment in history. Local and international debt stands at $60 billion. Our debt servicing bill for 2015 is N953.6 billion, about 21 per cent of our Budget. On account of severely dwindled resources, over two-thirds of the states in Nigeria owe salaries. Federal institutions are not in much better shape. Today, the nation borrows to fund recurrent expenditure.
“The figures of extreme poverty in our society- 110 million by current estimates- makes it clear that our biggest national problem is the extreme poverty of the majority. Thus, no analysis is required to conclude that dealing with poverty and its implications is a priority.
“In the course of the election campaign, we ran an issues-based campaign that identified certain areas of public policy as high priorities for propelling Nigeria forward. We addressed the challenges of the economy, insecurity, corruption and jobs creation.
“We spoke on the challenge of providing opportunities for self-actualization to millions of our young people who face an uncertain future with understandable anxiety. We also addressed the challenge of providing for the most vulnerable segments of our population by equipping them with the tools to emerge from the crippling limitations of poverty to achieve dignified and productive citizenship.
“This is also against the backdrop of a highly unequal society in which, by some reckoning, the largest chunk of the benefits of our national wealth accrues to a small percentage of our population. Our manifesto offered a vision of shared prosperity and socio-economic inclusion for all Nigerians, that leaves no one behind in the pursuit of a prosperous and fulfilling life.
“Our goal this morning is to interrogate these positions and propositions before a wider audience and to launch a robust public conversation on policy directions and priorities that will help inform our administration’s approach in the next four years. This forum exemplifies the sort of consultative and consensual approach to policy-making that our party and the new administration intend to model in office.”
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Vice President for External Affairs Comrade Tosin Ogunkuade has set an agenda for President-elect Muhammadu Buhari. He wants the President-elect to strengthen the security agencies to stop terrorist attacks on educational institutions.
Ogunkuade condemned the attacks on schools and killing of students by terrorists. He spoke while sympathising with the families of the 147 Kenya students killed by Al-shabab militia.
He said it was disheartening that terrorists were attacking schools and students to step up their bloody campaigns against African governments, drawing correlation with the killing of 47 pupils in Buni Yadi, Yobe State by Boko Haram insugents.
To protect the future of the present generation, he said, African leaders must protect schools against invasion by terrorists.
While congratulating Gen. Buhari and the Vice President-elect, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, on their victory, Ogunkuade said: “Democracy and the ordinary people of Nigeria have won a fierce battle; Gen. Buhari must justify the confidence reposed in him by students.”
He praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for organising a transparent process and President Goodluck Jonathan for his “commendable sportsmanship”.
As Nigerians await the May 29 inauguration of the President-elect Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, more lawyers have set agenda for the incoming administration. Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU spoke with them.
More lawyers have set agenda for president elect Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and vice-president-elect Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).
•Ajibade
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN) said he expects more reforms in the justice sector, among others.
“My expectations are very high in the area of justice sector reform and justifiably so in my opinion. Prof. Osinbajo revolutionised justice sector delivery in his eight-year stint as Attorney-General of Lagos State from 1999 – 2007 and my expectation is that he will influence the same kind of revolution at the Federal level, albeit that he’s Vice-President elect and not the Federal Attorney-General.
“More importantly, I see a direct correlation between a complete overhaul of our justice sector and a re-design of the sector’s architecture and the achievement of the Buhari/Osinbajo campaign promise of eradicating corruption. In the absence of an efficient and effective justice sector, the eradication or even reduction of corruption will be no more than a pipe dream.
“The driving force behind the high levels of corruption in Nigeria at the moment is the palpable absence of efficient and effective enforcement mechanisms. The situation is so bad that the uncorrupt feel marginalised and frustrated because the corrupt get away with blatant acts of corruption and the system appears powerless to prevent this from happening.
“If this is to change, there has to be a root and branch overhaul of the system starting with the investigative and prosecuting services of the Nigerian Police (including the EFCC, ICPC and all other related agencies); the prosecuting services of the relevant departments of the various ministries of justice; the adjudicatory authority of the judiciary; and my own constituency, the representative duties of Legal Practitioners. All of these elements of the justice sector must be reviewed in detail and subjected to a thorough reform exercise.
“We cannot prevent or reduce corruption if the Police are not willing, able or empowered to carry out their investigative and prosecuting functions properly; the judiciary cannot convict anybody of corruption if the cases are not properly investigated and evidence properly assembled before charges are brought; and judges cannot convict anybody of corruption if they themselves are susceptible to corrupt inducement, invariably offered to them by Legal Practitioners representing the corrupt; and prosecution of corruption cannot occur if Legal Practitioners are permitted by timid and (with respect) lazy judges to stultify and delay the justice process by placing reliance on ridiculous technicalities that delay and frustrate the process.
“In the final analysis, the changes required are a function of leadership. The most important task ahead of the Buhari/Osinbajo presidency now is identifying and selecting the right personnel to head all the various agencies that have a bearing on the justice sector, to the extent that the power of appointment rests with them. It is the nature of these appointments and the mandate that those appointed are given that will determine whether our expectations of a robust reform of the justice sector under this incoming presidency will be met,” Ajibade said.
•Fagbohun
Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Lanre Fagbohun said he expects the new president and his vice to lead by example.
“Our wants as human beings are quite limited, but the greed of majority of our leaders is amazing and often borders on the ridiculous. The best leaders lead by example, thus, what I will expect of Gen. Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo as President and Vice- President is for them to lead by example.
“Impunity in governance has gone on for too long; the aspirations and hopes of Nigerians as reflected in the just concluded presidential election are that a Buhari government will begin to right the wrongs of corruption, meet the challenges of insecurity, move away from leadership devoid of vision, reflect sincerity of purpose, and introduce reforms that will positively impact on the social and economic lives of the people.
“Nigerians want to walk tall within and outside Nigeria; they want to be able to proudly introduce themselves as Nigerians. The acts and utterances of the Numbers One and Two citizens must therefore, be such that will inspire Nigerians to greatness, otherwise, the people will once again feel betrayed and disillusioned.
“For Nigerians, the base of the above conversation is good governance and this is what should be critical to this administration. Nigerians want to see respect for rule of law across the board; transparency; accountability; ethics in public service; national re-orientation geared towards promotion of dignity of labour as against the current syndrome of ‘get rich overnight’; and a more inclusive governance that allows for active public participation. Our institutions must be made credible and positioned to offer responsive services.
“The task is certainty not for Gen. Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo alone. When they offer leadership that ingrains the right mental attitude, everyone of us must also be ready to join them in the task of nation building. This is not the time for other arms of government to unduly antagonise desirable reforms. Let us all work cooperatively together in the collective interest of Nigeria, and be guided at all times by the Constitution,“ Fagbohun said.
•Eghobiamen
For Mr. Osaro Eghobiamen (SAN), the new administration should make honesty its watchword.
“My expectations are that the President-elect (with his strong military pedigree of discipline) and the Vice-President (with an equally accomplished pedigree in Law) will both seek to work on the ‘infrastructure of the mind’ by adhering honestly and sincerely to the fundamental objectives contained in section 23 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which states: The national ethics will be discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self reliance & patriotism.
“These principles must be consciously and strenuously pursued in the aftermath of an election campaign which was provocatively divisive. With particular reference to reforms in the administration of justice, my expectations are as follows: all courts should be technologically equipped so that they may perform their constitutional role, dispensing justice within a reasonable time. Enhance capacity in Justice Administration: this will apply to the administrative staff as well as judges at all levels. In this respect, the process of appointment, removal as well as welfare of Judges must be revisited to attract the best quality ( men and women of character and learning).
“Strengthen the financial independence of the Judiciary: the State Governors must be held responsible for the complete shutdown of the Courts on account of their refusal to adhere to the principles of financial autonomy. This present situation may lead to anarchy. Every State Governor is under a duty to ensure that the Judiciary is completely independent. Chief Judges are expected to reciprocate by exhibiting an optimal level of integrity.
“Transformation of the Criminal Justice System: In this respect, three major institutions will need overall reforms – the Nigerian Police Force, the Prisons systems as well as the Courts. The success of this administration must be gauged by its pursuit of social justice as well as enhancing the moral fibre that keeps us together as a nation” Eghobiamen stated.
•Oku
For Jibrin S. Okutepa (SAN), the judiciary must be well-funded.
“First let me congratulate Gen Buhari and Prof Osinbajo on their well deserved victory. Nigerians expect a lot from them. They have articulated three key areas that are crucial and critical, these are corruption, insecurity and unemployment.
“For me, they cannot tackle corruption efficiently and effectively without effective and efficient justice system that guarantees easy access and quick justice delivery system. They must fund the judiciary well, ensure that both our procedural and substantive laws are reformed to make their application peoples and users friendly.
“In this regard the incoming administration must tackle the problem of delayed justice. They must equally ensure that the rule of law and its application become sacrosanct and all who breach our laws must be punished without fear or favour. In composing their cabinet they must go beyond party loyalty and party men and women.
“The incoming government is on redeeming mission, all best hands must be sought and used in government. The security operatives must be re-organized to tackle corruption. The current system of arresting before looking for evidence cannot tackle corruption. In this regard the operation of the EFCC, the police, the Directorate of State Security (DSS), and other security operatives under the justice system must be re-organized.
“The Ministry of Justice must be headed by a lawyer who is thoroughly a professional of credit and repute. A lawyer who is morally and legally sound in knowledge and character and who can tell the government the truth without bias and ill motive,” Okutepa said
•Ubani
Former Ikeja Branch Chairman of of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Monday Ubani described Buhari’s victory as the beginning of a new era.
“We are clearly overjoyed at the victory of Gen. Buhari and Prof Osibajo. We are happy at the cleansing of our country that has just taken place and the beginning of new era for the great nation of Nigeria. What gladdens most of us more is the seeming restoration of sovereignty back to the people. We as a people are careful to return all the glory to God for allowing this revolution to happen in our time and through our generation..
“We expect this new government that will be sworn in on the 29th of May this year to start running on assumption of office. No single time to waste, the truth is that Nigeria is lying prostrate, diminished and greatly violated as a nation for the last sixteen years. The people of Nigeria are on the edge, clearly impatient with any government that has no immediate answer or understanding what is at stake. Gone are the days and years where political actors who are not prepared for governance are forced upon the people. People who sought governance and understand its implications have been given mandate by the people and so no excuses will be entertained from them.
“The judiciary deserves special attention. An institution that interpretes the law of the land must be independent through and through, especially if we desire the enthronement of rule of law and the application of the principle that none should be above the law of the land. Therefore to complete its autonomy, the financial autonomy as enshrined in the constitution must be upheld by both Federal and state governments. Our judicial system is criminally slow and this must be addressed speedily. Factors that must be looked into to address this judicial lethargy are the issue of appointment of judicial officers(their qualification, their salaries and welfare, enthusiasm for the job and their moral integrity). More numbers of judicial officers should be appointed to ease the innumerable cases all over our jurisdictions.
“The states should be allowed to appoint the number of judges they need to man their judiciary. The present system of using NJC to appoint state judges is clearly faulty. The second issue is the review of our obsolete substantive laws and some of our procedural laws that act as a cog in the wheel of progress(for instance, interlocutory appeals on criminal proceedings should be abolished, these should be taken together at the conclusion of all trials). Our judicial system that still use long hand in taking proceedings and writing judgments in this 21st century is criminal and should be abolished forthwith. Our proceedings should be ICT driven from now onwards.
“All the basic infrastructures that makes for efficient justice delivery should be made available as a top priority immediately the government is sworn in. Things needed today for effective administration of justice are functional buildings with modern facilities like air conditioners, microphones and computers. Every judge must have lawyers as his research assistants and a recorder.
“Power supply must be constant in all the courts in the land. Everything about the judiciary must be functional. Non judicial staff must be looked into very urgently. Their salaries, allowances must be addressed expeditiously but above all, the issue of service of processes and execution of judgement must be overhauled if we are to make progress in justice delivery in Nigeria. There are so much troubles from that angle that impedes the operations of effective justice delivery.” Ubani said.
Former University don, Mr. Aina O. Salami said: “The result of the election of March 28, 2015 remains a watershed in the annals of the political history of Nigeria. While the outcome of this election clearly represents the yearning of Nigerians for change, we must however acknowledge the fact that the Buhari/Osinbajo Team is coming to governance at a time when the economy is pretty bad and almost every aspect of the life of the people has been badly hit and therefore need restructuring and resuscitation.
“With one hundred million Nigerians or thereabout reported to be living on less than one dollar ($1) a day, the coming new government should therefore be pro-poor and think more, act more for the poor and for the voiceless. The percentage of this group of people (over 60% of the population of Nigeria) obviously points to the fact that the incoming government does not have an enviable task.
“In the Justice sector of the Nation, the expected pro-poor policy of government should be seen in the area of support/assistance in aid of the poor to access Justice effortlessly and cheaply. Extensive prison reform need to be carried out too and of course overhauling the rights of the physically challenged and giving such rights the necessary prominence they deserve in order to build an egalitarian society. Fortunately the Vice President elect (Pro. YemiOsinbajo, SAN) has a wealth of experience to draw from as a former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice who has done much in these areas before now.
“Apart from faith in divine being which Nigerians generally have as religious people, there is no doubt that the hope and expectation of Nigerians which is very high, is in the pedigree of these two (as people of integrity) that have been elected into the executive arm of government of this Nation, commencing 29th May, 2015.
•Olatoye
A university Don, Mr. Olatoye Kareem said: “The outcome of the election has already impacted positively on business confidence and economic climate generally. The capital market for instance railed on a positive note in an unprecedented manner while the Naira has also gained value against the dollars, a development attributable to the common dictum now amongst Nigerians called “Buhari effect”.
“Setting the agenda for the new government therefore l would say they must hit the ground running in areas of security, corruption, electricity, fast train and road networks, education, agriculture and Justice Sector reforms. All of these when properly implemented would effectively transform the economy, as most of the agenda elements are at the root of all problems we have in Nigeria.
“The Agricultural sector alone if properly handled is capable of giving employment to all unemployed youth in Nigeria. What is wrong with graduates engaged going to farm with ties on their necks as farm supervisors. A graduate is not discouraged taking up a job on the farm as long as he enjoys the same level of comfort, infrastructure and degree of dignity accorded those taking up white collar jobs.
“In the case of justice sector reforms, there is urgent need to reform the civil and criminal justice systems in Nigeria. The government needs to unearth problems of slow court processes which bring about delayed justice, an endemic phenomenon in the nation’s judicial system.
“The need for a functional court system capable of supporting a rapidly growing economy, guaranteeing basic rights and providing security and justice to all makes urgent reforms an imperative” Olatoye stated.
Mr. Nankin Bagudu said: “The two of them are a perfect combination in every sense of the word. They should know and realise that the greatest asset they have now is the trust and confidence of Nigerians as exemplified in the polls. this combined with hardworking Nigerians should enable them to maximise our natural resources to the fullest. I expect them to try new methods and new ways of doing things in Abuja. From day one let them tell us that no one owes us a living. We have to work hard to earn our pride of place on the world map. Also they have to help our country break our old fashioned, stupid and damaging prejudices that has become our way of life.
“I expect Buhari/Osibajo to be the first example of Nigerian leaders that would use our natural resources wisely. They must avoid extravagant expenditure on useless prestige/white elephant projects that we witnessed in many states and at the federal level in the succesive years such as governors squandaring billions on gangantuan government houses, airports, etc. They must invest in infrastructure, health and education, build up substantial reserve where it is possible and allow the private sector to thrive and eliminate or reduce corruption to the barest levels. They also need to revisit the Orosanya report and implement it to reduce waste. Also do something about pension scam especially of the security agencies. We understand many of the pensioneers have died but through connivance of the officals moneys are still been paid and shared. They should use every public function to talk about the challnges ahead and how they intend to tackel them. We should the new government two years, after which we shouldexpect to see.”
Vice President-Elect Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for smooth conduct of yesterday’s governorship and House of Assembly polls.
He expressed delight that the commission had improved on challenges experienced at the March 28 presidential and National Assembly polls.
Osinbajo spoke after casting his vote in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos.
The vice president-elect observed that the electoral officials and materials arrived early while the card readers performed better.
According to him: “There is no doubt that there is vast improvement from what obtained penultimate weekend.
“The officials and materials arrived early; the card readers performed well. So, we have improved and things are much better now.”
He also praised the peaceful conduct of voters across the nation, stating that such attitude must be sustained by Nigerians for sustenance of democratic values.
Osinbajo, who arrived his polling unit as early as 9am, was hailed by residents and voters.
He exchanged pleasantries with the voters before accreditation by 10:15am with his wife, Dolapo.
When he arrived by 2:30pm for voting, he was besieged by voters, who demanded for photo shots with him.
A smiling Osinbajo obliged over 200 excited residents.
He later voted by exactly 4:15pm.
Osinbajo assured that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will hit the grounds running and deliver on its electoral promises on assumption of office by May 29th.
THE Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has assured teachers that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government will ensure that they benefit from free tertiary education when it takes office on May 29.
Prof. Osinbajo, who spoke yesterday during a consultative meeting with members of Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Lagos State, also assured that the government would work out modalities to enable the teachers benefit from housing scheme.
He said continuous education for teachers was one of the core programmes of APC, saying the administration would guarantee regular teacher training.
He added that education and health would receive priority attention in Buhari’s administration.
According to him, “if you look at our manifesto, we would spend a lot of time and money on public education; that is why this consultation is very important. But it is just the beginning of the series of consultations that we intend to have. Fortunately, I am from here; I am one of you, and this means there will be direct access, which will make it easier for us to do all we want to do.
“Lagos is the mode of what we intend to do. For instance, we talk about free education for science, technology, engineering and Math and free education at the tertiary level for teachers. So, teachers, who want to go to university, will enjoy free education.
“It is a very important programme because one of the basic problems we have is the fact that we have not been able to continue effectively with teacher training. So, continuous education for teachers and teacher training in particular is very important to us. It is important for us in Lagos to know that we are a very important part of what the Federal Government will do in education.
He said the Federal Government would be embarking on housing scheme nationwide as part of efforts at improving the welfare of teachers and other workers in critical sectors of the nation’s economy.
“Many have talked about the welfare of teachers which is very important, but this is always tied to funding just as welfare of other workers. But, one of the crucial things we want to do is housing.
“I think we need to be able to work together with the Federal Government on the issue of housing for teachers. We have a big housing policy. But our housing policy is going to be based on first and foremost on those in the critical sector of the economy, and teachers have been identified as one of those in the critical sector for housing.
“I want us to be extremely well-positioned for it. We need to understand that four years is a very short time and we need to be very organised to take advantage of it.”
Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola said the state has made a lot of progress in education, having moved from 10 per cent performance to 50 per cent performance.
He said the state was able to record the achievements it has made in the sector owing to his effective implementation of EKO Project.
He appealed to Lagosians to turnout in large number on Saturday to cast their votes for APC governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode, and other candidates of the party, saying the election was not about ethnicity or religion, but performance and continuity.
Earlier, state Chairman of NUT, Mr. Adesegun Raheem, praised Fashola for fulfilling all his promises to teachers in Lagos State.
Adesegun, who pleaded with the Federal Government to invest more in teachers to guarantee development, noted that one of the ways to invest in teachers was making teaching profession very attractive.
Igbo lawyers under the auspices of Otu Oka-Iwu have congratulated the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, for winning the presidential election.
They also congratulated the Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), whom they described as “one of our own.”
This was contained in a statement yesterday by the group’s president, Mr. Zik Obi II, and publicity secretary Mr. Emeka Nwadioke.
The Igbo law society praised President Goodluck Jonathan “for sacrificing personal ambition on the altar of national unity, peace and development,” saying that Jonathan would go down in history “as having kept faith with his commitment to deepen Nigeria’s electoral process and nascent democracy.”
They extolled the president for his uncommon display of statesmanship in congratulating the president-elect, even before the final results were declared.
“This action is responsible for the absence of post-election violence in the country,” the lawyers said.
Lauding Buhari’s steadfastness in continuously seeking a presidential mandate to lead Nigerians, the association said such tenacity “could only have been driven by sheer commitment to make a difference in the lives of fellow Nigerians.
“It is especially gratifying that the president-elect has committed himself and his administration to the promotion of democracy and the rule of law,” the statement said, adding that “his pledge towards just and principled governance, where no-one is oppressed due to favouritism based on ethnicity, religion, region, gender or social status, is eminently refreshing.”
The association noted Buhari’s assurance that a level-playing field would be created in the area of law enforcement, such that Nigerians of all social strata are equal before the law, urging the incoming administration to “speedily initiate reforms that will curb the plethora of ills facing the justice sector”.
