From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Second Distinguished Lecture in honour of Barrister J.S. Okutepa(SAN), organized by the UniJos Alumni in collaboration with the Faculty of Law of the Kogi State University, Anyigba recently, dwelt extensively on equality of all citizens before the law and the quest for economic motive in every human endeavour.
Barrister Okutepa(SAN), is a Principal Partner of J.S. Okutepa & Co, one of the leading Law Firms in Nigeria with offices in FCT, Abuja and Makurdi, Benue state respectively.
In a paper presentation by the first guest lecturer, and a legal practitioner based in Lokoja, Barrister Yemi Mohammed, titled Curbing Decadence In The Society Through Obidence Of Law”Challenges And Prospects” harped on equality before the rule of law irrespective of status, political and religious background.
According to him, “Both the leaders and the led must obey the law of the land. Our leaders must be made to shun impunity and sabotage of law enforcement as everybody is equal before the law. Why are those in Leadership positions make laws that are not obeyed? what are the use of the law if all citizens fail to obey them?” the law practitioner queried.
Barrister Mohammed therefore, demanded for the removal of the imunity clause for the President and state governors in the nation’s constitution.
Also in a paper delivered by the Dean College of Law of Salem University, Lokoja, Dr. Joshua Igonoh, titled, Interrogating State Of Nigerian Sovereignty From The Spectacle Of Marxian Dialectic” Search For Philosophical Antidote To Contemporary Socio-political Challenges In Nigeria” stressed that every human being has economic motive for what he or she engages in, describing the attitude to the root of corruption in Nigeria.
He maintained that Nigerian Sovereignty is seriously under threat as it depicts absolute and ultimate authority to declare law and control over a particular mission.
Dr. Igonoh declared that corruption formed the aro head of Nigeria’s challenges and admonished youths across the country to shun the attitude as future leaders.
He also affirmed that Nigeria is in the state of failing nation as a result of corruption, insecurity and banditry currently on alarming rate.
In his speech during the occasion, the Alumni Committee Chair on Lectures and Academic Partnership Dr. Aurelius Omali expressed gratitude to members of the Association and their lovely friends for the success of the lecture series in honour of those who have distinguished themselves in their immediate society and professional callings.