As Nigeria celebrates her 63rd Independence anniversary, corruption, leadership deficiency, lack of respect for rule of law and others have been identified as some of the factors mitigating against the country’s development.
They also identified years of military rule in Nigeria as well as resurgence of coup in some Africa countries to be derailing the development of the continent.
These are some of the factors canvassed by speakers at the 12th Annual Law Day organised by the Rainbow Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) Effurun, Delta State.
The event chaired by a former Editorial Board Chairman of the Guardian Newspapers, Prof. Gabriel Godini Darah, was organised to commemorates Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary.
Speakers at the occasion noted that for Nigeria to move away from her current political challenges, Nigerians and political leaders must avoid the continued disregard for rule of law as the country march towards nationhood.
In his remark, Darah, described the topics for discussion as apt, noting that they were aimed at tackling the political challenges of the country.
Darah, Professor of Oral Literature, Folklore and Cultural Sciences, commended the leadership and members of the National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, Rainbow Deck, for organizing the programme, and called for its sustenance.
In his keynote address tagged “Civilian and Military Coups and their Existential Threats to Democracy: An Exit Road Map,” a Professor of African Literature at the Delta State University Abraka, Prof Sunny Awhefeada, condemned the resurgence of military coups in some African countries, noting that military rule retards development.
Prof. Awhefeada advised that Nigerians should be patient with the government, while political leaders in power should deliberately ensure good governance, noting that where there’s good governance and values, nobody will think of military coup.
According to him, “Military rule is not the road to travel, as it only brings a long night of tragedies.”
For his part, a constitutional lawyer, Dr. Akpo Mudiaga-Odje, who spoke on judicial powers in the resolution of electoral disputes from 1979 to 2023, urged lawyers to always get their evidences ready before rushing to Election Petitions Tribunal.
Dr. Mudiaga-Odje warned the public not to use social media reports to access judgements on election cases. He noted that democracy can be sustained in Nigeria only if everyone is politically vigilant.
In his welcome address, Capoon in-charge of Rainbow Deck, Mr. Ejiro Eyanasah Esq., said the event organised to proffer solutions to some of the socio-political challenges facing Nigeria as it marks her 63rd Independence anniversary.
Eyanasah noted that the event attracted seasoned professionals as resource persons and discussants, with the aim of addressing issues such as corrupt practices, non-compliance with electoral rules by the INEC, leading to public outcry, as well as the resurgence of military coups in some African countries.
Some discussants at the event, including Chief Emmanuel Kuejubola, Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje, representatives of the chairmen of Uvwie and Udu Local Govts, Mr. Gibson Agbamu and Mr. Alex Sajuwa, as well as Prof. Temi Akporunor called for attitudinal change by all Nigerians.
After the Law Day lectures, families and friends of members of the National Association of Seadogs were hosted to a get-together popularly called Karamba, which featured several side attractions like Mothers’ Dancing Contest, Bouncing Castle, and Mascots for children.
The one-day event also featured a free medical diagnosis and treatment.
