Babatunde Fashola urges lawyers to promote good governance beyond politics

Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch Law Week, Fashola emphasized that governance should focus on improving citizens' quality of life through law application, rather than being reduced to political contests. He criticized the frequent use of "status quo" in discourse, suggesting simpler terms like "current situation." Fashola rejected the idea that misconduct is excusable as "politics," defining politics as a noble enterprise for public service.

He highlighted good governance as the government's ability to fulfill constitutional obligations and respond to citizen needs, citing the 1999 Constitution's provisions on security, welfare, education, environment, and food security. He advocated for evidence-based governance, urging polls and research to understand public needs, and argued that state and local governments are better positioned for effective governance due to proximity. Fashola also stressed the importance of rigorous law implementation, stricter penalties for traffic offenders, and citizen responsibility in governance, including tax payment and community service.

He questioned Nigeria's commitment to reducing carbon emissions despite international climate agreements and advocated for cleaner energy initiatives and th