Effective leadership transcends political boundaries – Fashola

Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, has urged lawyers to play a more proactive role in promoting good governance through law reform and effective law enforcement, as well as increased participation in public service.

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This call was made by Fashola on Tuesday in Lagos, while delivering the keynote address titled “Law, Leadership and the Ballot: Governance Beyond Politics” at the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch Law Week, which focused on the theme “Altering the Status Quo: Going Against the Norm”.

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Fashola argued that governance should not be limited to political contests and electioneering, but rather should focus on improving citizens' quality of life through the effective application of laws, and noted that Nigeria is in a political transition period with increasing political activities ahead of future elections.

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He stressed that discussions on governance should transcend partisan considerations, and criticised the frequent use of the term “status quo” in political and legal discourse, describing it as contentious and often misunderstood.

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Fashola suggested using simpler expressions such as “current situation” or “state of affairs” to enhance public understanding and reduce ambiguity, and rejected the notion that misconduct and unethical behaviour can be excused as political practice.

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He stated that politics, properly understood as the art and science of government, should be a noble enterprise dedicated to public service and collective good rather than personal interests, and identified good governance as the government’s ability to fulfil constitutional obligations while responding to the needs of citizens.

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Fashola cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution, noting that the government is legally bound to prioritise the security and welfare of citizens, provide equal educational opportunities, protect the environment, and ensure food security, and emphasised the importance of evidence-based governance.

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He urged governments to conduct polls, surveys, and research to understand the needs and expectations of the people, and argued that state and local governments are better positioned than the Federal Government to deliver effective governance due to their proximity to the people.

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Fashola expressed concern over the widespread disregard for traffic regulations, particularly driving against traffic, which he described as a threat to public safety, and advocated for stricter penalties, including longer custodial sentences without the option of fines, for offenders whose actions endanger lives and property.

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He reminded citizens that governance is a shared responsibility, pointing to constitutional duties such as paying taxes, participating in community service, and assisting lawful authorities in maintaining law and order, and questioned Nigeria’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions despite its obligations under international climate agreements.

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Fashola asked if Nigeria is bound to reduce carbon emissions, given its signing of the Paris climate change treaty, ratified under Section 12(1) of the Constitution, and why the country still promotes, sells, distributes, and operates petrol engine motorcycles and tricycles that increase its carbon dioxide footprint.

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He urged greater support for cleaner energy initiatives, including the use of compressed natural gas, and encouraged citizens to connect environmental challenges with everyday choices, and advocated for the elimination of anonymity in the transport sector through the strict enforcement of vehicle registration requirements.

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Fashola stated that no one should be permitted to operate any type of vehicle without proper registration, adding that this requirement should apply equally to political leaders and ordinary citizens, and that citizens are more likely to enjoy security, confidence, and predictability when laws are consistently enforced.

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Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Mr Adeniyi Quadri, described the theme as both timely and provocative, noting that significant progress throughout history has often been achieved by individuals and institutions willing to challenge established norms and question long-held assumptions.

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Quadri noted that Nigeria is currently at a critical crossroads, confronted by economic difficulties, governance concerns, security challenges, pressures on democratic institutions, and growing demands for justice and accountability, and questioned whether the country possesses the courage, vision, and leadership required to chart a different course where necessary.

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He emphasised the role of lawyers as custodians of the rule of law, defenders of constitutional democracy, and advocates of justice, stressing that their responsibility extends beyond interpreting the law to ensuring that legal and institutional structures effectively serve the people.

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Quadri explained that the Law Week programme was deliberately designed to stimulate robust discussions on leadership, governance, justice administration, economic development, and the future of the legal profession, and that the theme presents an opportunity for lawyers to re-evaluate existing systems in legal practice and justice administration.

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Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Founding Partner of Pinheiro LP, Kemi Pinheiro, commended the NBA Ikeja Branch for its longstanding commitment to professional excellence and innovation, describing the branch as a centre of excellence and progressive thought within the legal profession.

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Pinheiro noted that the branch has consistently distinguished itself through intellectual engagement and leadership, and said the Law Week theme presents an opportunity for lawyers to re-evaluate existing systems in legal practice and justice administration while embracing innovative approaches to address persistent challenges.

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Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association and Life Bencher, Mr Jonathan Taidi, urged lawyers to remain committed to defending justice, strengthening institutions, and upholding the rule of law amid growing challenges facing governance and public institutions.

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Taidi described the Law Week as more than an annual professional gathering, saying it offers an opportunity for lawyers to reflect on their role in society, assess the direction of the justice system, and reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of the legal profession.

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Chairman of the Continuing Legal Education and Practice Development Committee of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Mr Victor Opara, challenged lawyers to use the Law Week platform to develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security situation, and observed that insecurity remains one of the most serious threats confronting the country.

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Opara warned that the legal profession cannot afford to remain silent in the face of the challenge, stating that lawyers cannot feign ignorance of the ominous and pervasive inclement security weather ravaging the society and challenging the foundations of the nation.