Nigeria @ 65: Governor Adeleke Harps On Rule Of Law, True Federalism

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has congratulated Nigerians on the 65th Independence anniversary of the country, calling for the observance of the rule of law and national reform for true federalism.

In a statement issued to mark Independence Day signed by the spokesperson to the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Wednesday, Governor Adeleke described October 1 celebration as a critical point to assess the state of national constitutional democracy, the rule of law and delivery of good governance.

While applauding the progress recorded so far by Nigeria since her Independence in 1960, the state governor emphasised the need to jealously guard and protect the foundation of national governance through full compliance with the constitution and respect for the rule of law.

“We have made progress but we can move faster and better. We have recorded a lot of progress but we should continue to protect the foundation of our national existence, the constitution and its interpretation by a truly independent judiciary.

“We must in totality ensure compliance with the rule of law, not rule of the thumb. Judicial process must be respected as it is the only legitimate vehicle to regulate relationships among players in the democratic space and among Nigerians at large,” Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.

The state governor, who described democracy as a rule-based, noted that Nigerian democracy will progress faster and good governance will be better delivered when democratic structures are allowed to function without unlawful interference.

“I felicitate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians at large. I task the political class to strife towards true federalism. Federating units must be strengthened within the context of more devolution of powers and resources.

“Nigeria must run truly as a federation where the tiers of government operate with clear regulations as provided by the constitution and moderated by the rule of law. This will fast track development at all levels of governance.

“For us as a state, we pledge continuity of unalloyed submission to the constitution and the rule of law. Our government will continue to abide by democratic rules in our striving to better the lot of our people and deliver democratic dividends.

“I urge Osun people to remain law-abiding, calm and peaceful as the state government is deploying democratic tools to advance and protect the interest of the state within the federation and within the context of the rule of law. We must resist the temptation to take laws into our hands.

“On this occasion of the 65th Independence anniversary, I congratulate Nigerians, at home and abroad. We look forward to more national and subnational improvement as democratic governance progresses,” the governor noted in the statement.