Professor of Law, Yemi Akinseye-George, has said the absolute powers enjoyed by state governors due to immunity remain a problem in the fight against corruption.
The law enrobes governors with immunity against investigation and prosecution over alleged criminal acts while in office.
Speaking at the 2024 Law Week of the Bwari branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja, yesterday, the don said, “the country faces serious challenges when the ‘big men’ stand in the way of the law.”
According to him, governors are above the law, as they enjoy absolute power and control over almost everything in their state, adding that they determine who becomes Chief Judge, federal lawmakers as well as who occupies other positions.
“It is in the enlightened self-interest of lawyers to actively advocate and work for the emergence of a sound justice system founded on the Rule of Law,” he advised.
He called on the bar to call out violators of human rights in the country, even as he described justice as a tangible infrastructure upon which a tangible economy is built.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, NBA Bwari branch, Paul Daudu, emphasised the vital role legal practitioners play in maintaining and strengthening the foundations of justice in the country.
He urged lawyers to remain steadfast in their commitment to fairness, equality and access to justice for all citizens.
Chief Justice of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, represented by an administrative judge of Bwari High Court, Justice A .O. Ibom, said the business of justice delivery “is the concern of all” and urged all to join hands.
Chairperson of the Law Week, Chinyere Moneme, said this year’s theme, ‘Strengthening the Foundation of Justice’ arose from the need to address the socio-economic problems facing the country.
Justice, she said, is central to economic development, societal cohesion and harmony, adding that the judiciary must perform its primary role of administering justice in an independent, transparent, efficient and speedy manner.
