Association worried about Nigeria’s festering socioeconomic, political crises

The Association of Lagos Titled Chiefs, a non-political association of honorary chiefs and prominent members of the Lagos community, has expressed concerns over the socioeconomic and political crises in the country.

In a statement issued on behalf of the association by its president, Chief (Dr) Mrs. Iyabo Foresythe, she said: “As young men and women growing up in old Lagos, we recall the golden era of our judiciary when judgments of the courts were cited with approvals in foreign jurisdictions.”

The legal profession and justice system, she stressed, have known better days and the association calls for strengthening the system of self-introspection and self-regulation in the legal profession and judiciary.

The body also noted that the political atmosphere in the country especially between the two dominant political parties had been unduly charged, owing to the current judicial impasse. It posited that for Nigeria to enjoy the dividends of democracy and proper governance, the three arms of government must stand as a tripod, without any of the arms subjugating and intimidating the others. Seeking self-help instead of adjudication on matters must be discouraged, it added.

“As key stakeholders in the Lagos City State, we are seriously concerned about the entrenched culture of corruption in the country. The society had always looked upon the third arm of government, the judiciary, to ensure justice is not just done but seen to be done to all charged of criminal offences.”

The association also called for initiatives that will promote and nurture SMEs, supporting them to grow into large enterprises impacting highly on the economy as a foundation for the nation’s economic turnaround. Such initiatives will further impact on wealth creation, job creation and technology development.

According to Foresythe, who is also Iya Abiye of Lagos, “In the opinion of the association, Nigeria cannot afford economic, political and judicial crises, so we must all hold strongly to the respect for the rule of law, due process, separation of powers, independence of the judiciary and adherence to constitutional provisions. A political and judicial crises at this period is a major distraction the nation cannot afford.