By Dare Akogun
Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that democracy’s survival hinges on adherence to the rule of law and the qualities of the leaders steering the nation’s affairs.
He made this assertion at the 30th anniversary celebration of Yusuf Ali & Co, held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Saturday.
The event, themed “Presidential or Parliamentary System of Government: Where is the Convergence?” highlighted the critical role of legal professionals in upholding democratic principles.
Commending the contributions of Mallam Yusuf Ali and his partners to the development of the legal profession in Nigeria, Shettima noted, “These past 30 years are not only a testament to excellence in the business of law for Yusuf Ali & Co but also a reminder of the seasons they have endured in pursuing the rule of law, from the uncertainty of the military regime to the turbulence of democratic governance.”
The Vice President praised Yusuf Ali for his unwavering dedication to the ideals of law and legal practice in the country.
He underscored that a good reputation is the highest form of advertisement a lawyer can offer to potential clients, rather than frequent media appearances.
“Society always remembers those lawyers who practice for the sake of justice and the rule of law. Lawyers are vital ingredients in the development of a country,” Shettima remarked.
The Vice President Shettima reiterated the importance of lawyers in nation-building, urging them to continue their pursuit of justice and uphold the principles of democracy.
The guest speaker, former Minister of Works and Housing and two-term Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola ( SAN), emphasized the importance of education as a panacea for a successful and developed nation.
He asserted that if people are well-versed in the system of government being practiced, the nation will develop accordingly.
Fashola (SAN) noted that the call for the reintroduction of parliamentary system of government being championed in some quarters may not necessarily be the way out to address perceived unjust distribution of commonwealth and infrastructure in the country.
“I am not opposed to restructuring; I am a proponent of a presidential federal system of government. It does not necessarily require changing the style of government to achieve a reduced cost of governance,” he stated.
Fashola advised those calling for the reintroduction of parliamentary system of government to deeply think and reflect on whether the reasons that caused its collapse before the First Republic have been taken care off or not
Earlier, the Founder of Ghalib Chambers, Mal. Ali appreciated God for what he described as infinite favour and blessings for turning the fortune of the firm beyond expectations.
The event celebrated the significant milestones of Yusuf Ali & Co over the past three decades, highlighting their dedication to the rule of law and their resilience in navigating Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
