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 harmonized fight against corruption, which, according to him, should be held accountable through democratic governance and the oversight of anti-corruption bodies by responsible civil society.
Ozekhome disclosed this on Wednesday in a paper he titled: “Has Democracy led to Good Governance in Nigeria? He presented at the Midwest Achievers Awards in Benin City, Edo State.
The legal luminary who bagged an award of “Defender of Democracy” at the event also flayed what he described as political corruption, adding that it 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 elites 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 leaders are held accountable to the people,” he added.
Earlier, the Director of Organization, Midwest Achievers Awards, Dr. Owen Omo-Ojo, said “the event is geared to recongnise archivers and spotlight super achievers who have dared to dream, navigate turbulent times, and upheld the highest ethical standards while inspiring hope in their communities and beyond.”
