FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Legal luminary, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has advocated institutionalisation of development-focused practices to foster change in Nigeria and the African continent.
He also called for a harmonised fight against corruption, which he said should be addressed through democratic governance and the oversight of anti-corruption bodies by responsible civil societies.
Ozekhome said this yesterday in a paper he presented at Midwest Achievers Awards in Benin City, Edo State.
In his presentation titled ‘Has Democracy led to Good Governance in Nigeria?’ the senior lawyer, who bagged an award of ‘Defender of Democracy’ at the event, also flayed what he described as political corruption, which he said undermines democratic principles.
He stressed that political corruption should be aggressively addressed with the same seriousness and penalties as other forms of corruption, “such as financial crimes.”
According to him, “Too often, political corruption is overlooked largely because the political elite, who are often guilty of these practices hold significant power.
“For instance, Nigeria’s election history is rife with stories of electoral manipulation and voter exploitation by the political class.
“Post-election adjudication should not only focus on determining winners, but should also impose penalties, including imprisonment and fines on political elite or their agents who violate electoral rules.
“Free and fair elections are the foundation of legitimacy, transparency and accountability, and should be consistently safeguarded to ensure that leaders are held accountable to the people.”
Earlier, the Director of Organisation, Midwest Achievers Awards, Dr Owen Omo-Ojo said the event was to recognise archivers and spotlight super achievers who had dared to dream, navigate turbulent times and upheld the highest ethical standards, while inspiring hope in their communities and beyond.
