Democracy can’t survive without truth, equity – Shettima
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has said that democracy’s survival hinges on adherence to the rule of law, good governance and the qualities of the leaders steering the affairs of the nation.
Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Saturday at the 30th anniversary celebration of Ghalib Chambers founded by Yusuf Ali, SAN, the Vice President said no matter the system of democracy practised, it would not survive without the rule of law, truth and equity.
Former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, who was the guest speaker at the occasion, had earlier advised those calling for the return of the country to parliamentary system of government to deeply think and reconsider the reasons that caused the collapse of the First Republic when the parliamentary system was used to govern the country.
Fashola, who spoke on the theme, ‘Parliamentary or Presidential System of Government: Where is the Convergence?’ said that the proponents of the bill in the House of Representatives should first consider whether the factors that caused the collapse of the First Republic had been taken care of.
He recalled that Nigeria once practiced parliamentary system but failed and led the country into unwarranted disaster.
The Vice President, who said that he would aligned himself with the position of the former governor, said “No matter the system of government we practise, we cannot have a system that will satisfy the people without the practice of rule of law, equity, truth, equation of oppression and marginalization.
“The Legislature must stand firm and the Judiciary must interpret the laws properly.”
“These past 30 years are not only a testament to excellence in the business of law for Yusuf Ali & Co but also a reminder of the seasons they have endured in pursuing the rule of law, from the uncertainty of the military regime to the turbulence of democratic governance.”
Speaking, Yusuf Ali, founder of Ghalib Chambers, appreciated God for what he described as infinite favour and blessings for turning the fortune of the firm beyond calculated expectations.
