Vice President Kashim Shettima says the Judiciary in Nigeria has never had an ally like President Bola Tinubu.
He said it is for that reason that the current administration led by President Tinubu did not and will not interfere with legal proceedings or litigations arising from the conduct of elections and it will continue to do so.
He made the declarations in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Saturday during the 30th anniversary celebration of Yusuf Ali & Co, also known as Ghalib Chambers; a prominent law firm owned by renowned legal luminary, Yusuf Ali.
Mr Shettima said; “Sometimes politicians and legal practitioners function like cats and mice but I doubt if the judiciary in Nigeria has ever had an ally like His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is now at the helm of affairs.
“This administration has not interfered in election proceedings that have favoured opposition parties nor has it deployed the instruments of the State to protect perceived friends of the government or members of the governing party on trial.”
Mr Shettima said that President Bola Tinubu will continue to promote the principle of separation of powers, as well as ensure justice in all spheres of governance in Nigeria.
“President Tinubu’s commitment to the principle of separation of powers binds us and we shall continue to adhere to it as we trust the judiciary to do its part in its service to the nation,” he stated.
The Vice President, who was the special guest of honour at the event, noted that there is no perfect system of government but the presidential system being practiced by Nigeria is a good one.
Apparently responding to those who are currently agitation for Nigeria to return to post independence parliamentary system of government, the Vice President said:
“Our experiment for the perfect system of government to adopt since gaining independence in 1960 has produced a lesson that we refuse to acknowledge and that lesson remains even if we revert to another system of government.”
Mr Shettima extolled the virtues of Yusuf Ali & Co., lauding its unwavering commitment to the principles of justice over the past three decades.
He described the firm as a bastion of excellence, resisting compromise under both military and democratic regimes.
“Malam Yusuf O. Ali and his esteemed partners have stood firm because of their unyielding commitment to the lofty ideals of justice,”he said.
The VP, therefore, urged legal practitioners to emulate this attitude, asserting that true lawyers are those who meticulously prepare for court, argue based on facts and legal principles, and courageously challenge injustice wherever it exists.
The Vice President also highlighted the Federal Government’s recent legal action to ensure full financial autonomy for local governments, referring to it as a convergence that should be prioritized in realizing an ideal federal system.
He urged lawyers to be ethically committed to the pursuit of justice, deeming it crucial for a functional tripartite system.
“Without that sacrifice, we are all bound for a doom from which we may never recover,” VP Shettima cautioned.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwola, who was the Chairman of the occasion, praised the celebrant, Prof Yusuf Ali, for excelling in his chosen profession, as well as defending the less privileged in the society.
The Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum commended the celebrant for contributing a lot to the legal profession in Nigeria, as he commended Prof Ali’s hard work and show of integrity.
Also, the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his Deputy, Kayode Alabi, used the opportunity to praise President Bola Tinubu for introducing his Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is improving the lives of Nigerians.
“I hereby call on all Nigerians to support our dear President, who is ready to improve our quality of life through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
The Governor further thanked the President for promoting separation of powers and judicial reforms.
The Guest Speaker at the event, former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, advocated for the continuation of Nigeria’s presidential system of government.
He said those calling for the return of parliamentary rule in Nigeria, have no reason to do so because it had failed Nigerians in the past.
“I therefore express my strong support for the Presidential system, with the current federal structure that we have,” he said.
According to the former Governor, “Any democracy, be it parliamentary or presidential, needs an educated society, for it to thrive. That will also help the people to know the rules of the game.”
Earlier, while welcoming guests, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghalib Chambers, Prof Yusuf Ali, attributed his success in legal practice to the mercies of God.
He said, “beginning from next year, the law firm will organise an annual national discourse on issues that engender national development and legal practice, as part of its contribution to nationhood.”
A 450-page compendium of Yusuf Ali & Co, showcasing the strides of the legal firm in the three decades was unveiled at the event.
