Business, legal, other experts agree on justice reform
Experts in legal, finance and various other sectors of the economy have said that upholding and implementing justice is paramount for both human and economic development in Nigeria.
While attending a symposium to commemorate the 50th Birthday of Osaro Eghobamien, SAN, Managing Partner of Perchstone & Graeys, they spoke on the essence of an efficient justice administration system, as well as an investment-friendly and regulatory framework for the country.
Augustine Ojunekwu Avuru, CEO, SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company PLC said that in a business community, the greatest risks are in the administration of justice and security system in that community.
Avuru explained that the impact of administration of justice when thinking about foreign direct investment and productivity is huge, adding that when justice is upheld, it determines a better society.
In his remarks, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Pro Chancellor, Chairman, Governing Council, Nassarawa State University, Keffi said that justice includes, justice for victims, justice for perpetrators, for the larger society and justice before God.
According to him, the quality of justice people get in a country is connected with perceived opportunities available to people, their level of consciousness and the level of education people have.
He further explained that associational life also has an important role to play in the kind of justice citizens get.
Frank Aigbogun, Publisher, BusinessDay media urged that a critical look must be taken at the kind of legacy the leaders and those led hope to leave behind for those coming behind them.
“Shouldn’t lawyers revolt against some of the things that we see, experience and hear? he asked rhetorically. “We need to be quite holistic about justice. The training and understanding of judges must reflect the times that we are in.”
He stressed on the need for the legal profession to consider how private initiative can deal with some of the inadequacies prevailing in the system, adding that when this is done, then leaders will leave a legacy for those coming behind them.
Appreciating, guests at the remarkable event, Osaro Eghobamien, SAN stated that justice was the key to Nigeria’s development, noting further that there the country still had people who were ‘Just in their dealings with others
The celebrant reiterated the need for Nigeria to take positive steps to bring about the desired change, which according to him, has direct impact on the implementation of justice.
IFEOMA OKEKE