By Adeboye Ado, Akure
Lagos lawyer and seasoned accountant, Banji Alabi, has enjoined people of Ondo State not to allow themselves to be used to subvert democracy and the rule of law in the wake up of impeachment saga of the deputy governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa by the state House of Assembly.
Alabi, the former Chairman of the Governing Council of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo in Ondo State, stated this in a message as Nigeria celebrates its 63rd independence anniversary.
He asked the people of the state to always defend justice, which he described as the foundation of good society and sustenance of human existence.
“If you rejoice over injustice because it favours you; one day you shall cry for justice and it shall elude you,” he said.
According to him, justice is not a way one traffic but a four-way traffic that ensures that all parties involved are given fair hearing.
The legal practitioner urged leaders in the state to give room for good governance to thrive in the state.
“I would like to address the leadership team of our Sunshine State- the executive, the legislators and the judiciary-that people of Ondo State need justice, they need good governance. They need peace.
“Let’s embrace the rule of law and avoid all acts that are repugnant to the rule of law, natural justice, and good conscience.
“Never react to what you heard from one party; hear the other side(FairPlay). And, before you react or speak, let your words conform to
the Rotary 4-way test:
“Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and a better society and will it be beneficial to all concerned?
“ To our leaders of Ondo State, I encourage you today to “hear the other side”; it is the fair thing to do,” he stated.
According to him, the rule of law has been part and parcel of African culture.
“In our villages and communities, we all know that once a person makes a report to an elder, the latter does not allow punishment to be meted out until the other party to the dispute has stated his own side of the case.
“It is trite law that leaders allow other side,” he said.
Alabi warned that getting to political position on the state was not worth acquiring with one’s blood or with the blood of any Ondo State citizen.
He called on all citizens of the state not to be complicit with silence but speak out for justice for a better society.
“I encourage you – Stand up and be counted on the side of democracy, good government, and the rule of law.
“I congratulate every citizen of Ondo State and wish you a happy independence celebration.”
“I am confident that these situations of
discouragement shall pass away.”
“Eventually, as history has shown, the people of Ondo State would become more enlightened and key
into the change process.”
“As they become more enlightened, optimistic, and aware of their fundamental rights to the opportunities, wealth, and resources that nature has abundantly blessed them with, they will not only participate more enthusiastically and passionately in the change process.”
“But they will vigorously fight for their God-given rights to luxury living, thinking outside the box, right visions, and the know-how’ to bring them what they truly deserve: life, liberty, luxury living, and the opportunities to be the best they could be!,” he stated.
