Law is as far removed from Justice as Bread is from Butter. Two separate things but tasty when blended or taken together. A legal purpose or situation is not necessarily a just situation or purpose. Law is arbitrary and primarily defined by Man, Justice on the other hand is a natural conception and knows no man-made boundaries. Almost anything can be legitimised or legalised, all we have to do is pass a law that allows it or decriminalise it. Justice on the other hand cannot be re-invented or redefined by human actions. The basis of Justice is morality and fairness, the basis of Law is order and orderliness.
The fact that something is legal does not always make it just, and conversely, what is seen as just may not necessarily be legal. For instance, it is perfectly legal for the government to levy excessive taxes on the people, but is it just? Justice is done when a villain is arrested and convicted by the courts of law but it is illegal to try the villain again for the same offence in countries where the double-jeopardy-rule is in operation if he somehow beats the rap in the first instance!
The question then is this, which is more desirable, Justice or Law? I would say both in equal measure. Bread without butter is crusty and dry, plain and tasteless, serving only to defy hunger. Butter too on its own could be rancid and acidic. However, when you take bread together with butter, you could make for yourself a tasty toast! Justice therefore ought to be the purpose of Law.
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Ethos of Jurisprudence - The Morality of Justice [Part One]
Temitope, my well-tutored brother from Ijebu-Ode, has been a constant pain in my legal backside of late but I love him so. His simple comment that 'there is no just society' sent me on a rather long academic research trip through philosophy, religion, and jurisprudence. I am still wondering and pondering upon the statement even as I write now. I have heard it several times in the past but have always dismissed it as a cliche. This time, it seemed stuck in my medulla oblonganta and only a shared analysis with others may dislodge it.
My first thought was that if one says that 'there is no just society' then that is tantamount to saying there is no justice. Or is this a personification of society, thus reasoning that since society is largely characterised by injustice much more than scanty justice, then society as an entity is unjust? Somehow, I think the statement runs deeper and calls for a deeper examination.
Everyday, we hear different negative assertions; people are bad, the world is bad, politics is evil, money is evil, society is unjust, etc. Now my question is this, if we say the world is bad, does that mean we have to continue to contribute to making it worse or try our own best to make it good even if not better? If we say money is generally evil, do we now resort to trading by barter alone? If we say the society is unjust, must we then compulsorily let it remain so? Must we deliberately add to the injustice? Must we continue to wallow in sin that grace may abound?
An objective test of validity shows the statement 'there is no just society' to be both true and untrue in equal measure! It depends on how one looks at it and it depends on how one would normally look at other things. In short, it depends on one and one's perspectives!. The word 'just' is a derivative of justice. Justice itself is a subjective term. What is justice to one person may well be injustice to another. Take for instance, a man who catches his wife kissing another man passionately and slaps her. Some will see justice done only if the man were convicted of assault(battery), while to others, any such conviction would be the height of injustice.
Justice is not an absolute term and it has a measurable standard. That standard is dually rooted in moralism and realism.
Those who support the conviction of the irate husband in the example above are likely to be realists while those against are most likely to be moralists. Realists believe that law does not need a moral basis. If the law says 'Do not sneeze' and you sneeze, you ought to be punished. To them it does not matter whether the law is justifiable or not. In fact, legal realists see law as superior to the society and would therefore treat the society as a sort of vassal unto 'sovereign' law. To them law is unquestionable.
Moralists hold a different view. They perenially question the purpose of law. Why is law necessary at all in the first place? Some philosophers say it is to protect man from man. Others go on to say that law is necessary to ensure harmony in the society and thereby aid our right and ability to pursue individual happiness without any unnecessary hindrance and without posing any risk to each other. All agree that law is there to regulate human conduct in relation to one another, deter crime, and penalise misconduct. The state acts as the Law-giver on behalf of the people.
Dele Okenla
22nd May 2011
My first thought was that if one says that 'there is no just society' then that is tantamount to saying there is no justice. Or is this a personification of society, thus reasoning that since society is largely characterised by injustice much more than scanty justice, then society as an entity is unjust? Somehow, I think the statement runs deeper and calls for a deeper examination.
Everyday, we hear different negative assertions; people are bad, the world is bad, politics is evil, money is evil, society is unjust, etc. Now my question is this, if we say the world is bad, does that mean we have to continue to contribute to making it worse or try our own best to make it good even if not better? If we say money is generally evil, do we now resort to trading by barter alone? If we say the society is unjust, must we then compulsorily let it remain so? Must we deliberately add to the injustice? Must we continue to wallow in sin that grace may abound?
An objective test of validity shows the statement 'there is no just society' to be both true and untrue in equal measure! It depends on how one looks at it and it depends on how one would normally look at other things. In short, it depends on one and one's perspectives!. The word 'just' is a derivative of justice. Justice itself is a subjective term. What is justice to one person may well be injustice to another. Take for instance, a man who catches his wife kissing another man passionately and slaps her. Some will see justice done only if the man were convicted of assault(battery), while to others, any such conviction would be the height of injustice.
Justice is not an absolute term and it has a measurable standard. That standard is dually rooted in moralism and realism.
Those who support the conviction of the irate husband in the example above are likely to be realists while those against are most likely to be moralists. Realists believe that law does not need a moral basis. If the law says 'Do not sneeze' and you sneeze, you ought to be punished. To them it does not matter whether the law is justifiable or not. In fact, legal realists see law as superior to the society and would therefore treat the society as a sort of vassal unto 'sovereign' law. To them law is unquestionable.
Moralists hold a different view. They perenially question the purpose of law. Why is law necessary at all in the first place? Some philosophers say it is to protect man from man. Others go on to say that law is necessary to ensure harmony in the society and thereby aid our right and ability to pursue individual happiness without any unnecessary hindrance and without posing any risk to each other. All agree that law is there to regulate human conduct in relation to one another, deter crime, and penalise misconduct. The state acts as the Law-giver on behalf of the people.
Dele Okenla
22nd May 2011
Morality of Justice [Preamble]
It is not appropriate that law should be enacted without an underlying ethical basis or moral justification. There is a serious risk that any such law, even when valid, would almost invariably amount to tyranny and oppression by the state. An offence should amount to a crime only if and when the property and/or well-being of another is either compromised or put in jeopardy.
Dele Okenla
20th May 2011
Dele Okenla
20th May 2011
Friday, 31 December 2010
Living in Harmony
God created all human beings equal.
The life of the child of a groundnut-seller in Lokoja is not less in value than the life of the oil-magnate in Lagos.
Every life is precious and must be respected far above all other considerations.
Life is a gift from God and no life, including yours, is unimportant or expendable.
Muslims, Christians, and even non-believers are all created by the One and Only God by whatever name called.
We are all brothers and sisters, descendants of Abraham also known as Ibrahim.
Live your life and allow others too to live their own lives peacefully as they deem fit within the law of God and Man.
Judge not another on the grounds of morality or convictions for we all see things differently from one another.
We may advise, we may criticise, and we may even admonish each other but we may not pass judgement on another.
Judgement is the prerogative of God.
Obey the law of the land.
This will bring peace and prosperity to you and to others.
When in a position of power and/or authority, be mindful of the fact that it is not by thy might but by grace.
Be graceful in conduct and be gracious in action. Be kind to people even if they are not your kind.
Treat those above you with due respect and respect also those who are beneath you.
Remember very well that every follower today is a leader tomorrow.
Create peace, progress and understanding wherever and whenever you can.
These will bring increment to your life and pour joy into your heart.
Fear God for He is real. In return, your wisdom will increase and you will be honoured among your peers.
Eschew bitterness, arrogance, and anger; for they bring forth nothing but self-destruction.
Trust not in your own wisdom alone but listen to the views of others and learn from both knaves and sages alike.
Always be of good cheer for God is with you.
You are blessed.
Dele Okenla
31st December 2010
The life of the child of a groundnut-seller in Lokoja is not less in value than the life of the oil-magnate in Lagos.
Every life is precious and must be respected far above all other considerations.
Life is a gift from God and no life, including yours, is unimportant or expendable.
Muslims, Christians, and even non-believers are all created by the One and Only God by whatever name called.
We are all brothers and sisters, descendants of Abraham also known as Ibrahim.
Live your life and allow others too to live their own lives peacefully as they deem fit within the law of God and Man.
Judge not another on the grounds of morality or convictions for we all see things differently from one another.
We may advise, we may criticise, and we may even admonish each other but we may not pass judgement on another.
Judgement is the prerogative of God.
Obey the law of the land.
This will bring peace and prosperity to you and to others.
When in a position of power and/or authority, be mindful of the fact that it is not by thy might but by grace.
Be graceful in conduct and be gracious in action. Be kind to people even if they are not your kind.
Treat those above you with due respect and respect also those who are beneath you.
Remember very well that every follower today is a leader tomorrow.
Create peace, progress and understanding wherever and whenever you can.
These will bring increment to your life and pour joy into your heart.
Fear God for He is real. In return, your wisdom will increase and you will be honoured among your peers.
Eschew bitterness, arrogance, and anger; for they bring forth nothing but self-destruction.
Trust not in your own wisdom alone but listen to the views of others and learn from both knaves and sages alike.
Always be of good cheer for God is with you.
You are blessed.
Dele Okenla
31st December 2010
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Anthology of Forgotten Verses
These are the opening verses of some of the numerous poems I wrote as a teenager.
I hope to publish a full recollection in a book in the near future. Please pardon my prose!
DELE OKENLA
PASSION
For a while I feel I should sing
Of my affections, Love and Hate
While in my mind memory bells still ring
Woeful tales of my affections of late.
That I loved her no crime was
Nor a sin any man should forgive
I risked all and bore the loss
I gave her all a lover could ever give.
Gone forever is love's noble desire
For Cupid had dealt a fatal shot
(circa 1982)
TUTU
Think not my love was vain
Wherefore it died down with such ease
For pure it was and as plain
As any true love could ever be
Remember how in sunshine and in rain
I had besought your affectionate bliss
While the ground my mouth in homage kiss
(circa 1982)
RETROSPECT
I should have died long ago and thus be saved a lot of grief
I am debased even in ego, living a man with no belief
To me even death would be a gift
From earthly sorrows to give a lift
(circa 1983)
REFLECTION
I will give you no more reins my heart
Lest in remembrance of wasted years
You shed a thousand tears of blood
(circa 1984)
CONSTANCE
Your eyes, dearest Constance
Are like stars on a dark night
And by their light
I hope to find true love
(circa 1983)
DEATH OF DAD
Once upon a short time ago
There lived a man not proud in ego
A humble man who lived respected
At whose door none begging was rejected.
Dear father, that you should die so saddens me
Alas that wicked Death is so mean!
(circa 1981)
BISI {Jemishe}
In your beauty I saw delight
Whenever you came like the Night
With Stars, you being the Moon
Or like the Sun at mid-noon
Radiant, brilliant, and elegant
(circa 1984)
STORY
Songs of others I had sung all my life
And now who will sing my own song?
Others stars had shone abright
But my star, will it ever shine alight?
Can I those immortal heights attain,
Whereon Shakespeare once dined with the Muses?
Or can I that purest vision ever behold
And like Milton a peerless Seer become?
(Circa 1984)
(.........to be continued!)
I hope to publish a full recollection in a book in the near future. Please pardon my prose!
DELE OKENLA
PASSION
For a while I feel I should sing
Of my affections, Love and Hate
While in my mind memory bells still ring
Woeful tales of my affections of late.
That I loved her no crime was
Nor a sin any man should forgive
I risked all and bore the loss
I gave her all a lover could ever give.
Gone forever is love's noble desire
For Cupid had dealt a fatal shot
(circa 1982)
TUTU
Think not my love was vain
Wherefore it died down with such ease
For pure it was and as plain
As any true love could ever be
Remember how in sunshine and in rain
I had besought your affectionate bliss
While the ground my mouth in homage kiss
(circa 1982)
RETROSPECT
I should have died long ago and thus be saved a lot of grief
I am debased even in ego, living a man with no belief
To me even death would be a gift
From earthly sorrows to give a lift
(circa 1983)
REFLECTION
I will give you no more reins my heart
Lest in remembrance of wasted years
You shed a thousand tears of blood
(circa 1984)
CONSTANCE
Your eyes, dearest Constance
Are like stars on a dark night
And by their light
I hope to find true love
(circa 1983)
DEATH OF DAD
Once upon a short time ago
There lived a man not proud in ego
A humble man who lived respected
At whose door none begging was rejected.
Dear father, that you should die so saddens me
Alas that wicked Death is so mean!
(circa 1981)
BISI {Jemishe}
In your beauty I saw delight
Whenever you came like the Night
With Stars, you being the Moon
Or like the Sun at mid-noon
Radiant, brilliant, and elegant
(circa 1984)
STORY
Songs of others I had sung all my life
And now who will sing my own song?
Others stars had shone abright
But my star, will it ever shine alight?
Can I those immortal heights attain,
Whereon Shakespeare once dined with the Muses?
Or can I that purest vision ever behold
And like Milton a peerless Seer become?
(Circa 1984)
(.........to be continued!)
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Some things I said!
ON CITIZENSHIP
There is a need to promote a sense of good citizenship and fair play in the mind of the typical Nigerian. We must learn to take responsibility for our actions and consider their consequences not only on our own interests but also on the interests of others.
4th August 2009
ON THE NEED TO PRESENT A UNITED FRONT
United we stand, divided we fall. We can only achieve the seemingly impossible by tackling the seemingly improbable. Our dreams, our goals, our lives, and our future depend on the decisions we make today. History will not be kind to those that fail to act.
21st July 2009
ON THE INDIVIDUAL
Until we change our individual perspectives we cannot effectively change the status quo.
19th July 2009
ON RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND PEOPLE
'Serve God your Creator with all your heart, love your neighbour as the Good Book says and it shall be well with you'
11th August 2009
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FACEBOOK
The positive effects of Facebook as an instrument of social and family networking cannot be ignored. Critics who deride it as addictive might be a litttle bit misguided. Is your mobile phone addictive? No! It is necessary and valuable just like FB. Facebook has afforded me the opportunity of reaching out to my friends and family far and wide. Suddenly, people I have given up for lost are showing up on the radar.
16th August 2009
ON THE CRY FOR CHANGE
Everbody is crying 'change' but do they really desire change? People tend to change their minds in the face of sustained persecution or a tremendous gratification! First, we put the cat in charge of our meat and then we prosecute the chicken for the missing meat! We glorify the same people that tread on our heads and shout down the men that attempt to salvage our sunken boat. Which way Nigeria?
23rd August 2009
ON JESUS
When you have Jesus you have everything. His words are true and His promises are always delivered. Happy is the man or woman who puts God first in all things. He reigns!
22nd September 2009
ON THE TRUTH
The truth is greater than fiction
7th September 2009
ON GRATITUDE
Eni to ba mo inu ro, a mo ope da. Thank you Jesus.
15th September 2009
ON THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DEBATE
Freedom is not something that we need to fight for as it is the residual nature of all that is not proscribed. It is the Right to express ourselves without fear of persecution or recrimination that should be entrenched in our constitution!
7th July 2009
ON GENTLEMEN
Peace, not War. Love, not Hate. Those are the ideals of a true gentleman!
30th June 2009
ON THE PRESS
The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression. I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression.
However, the freedom to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel. Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. The restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty!
5th July 2009
ON THE NEED TO ACT
Should we leave things like that, ‘SAD’ as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of people like Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Barrack Obama in the United States of today. Perhaps likewise ,our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That, will be our legacy!
5th July 2009
There is a need to promote a sense of good citizenship and fair play in the mind of the typical Nigerian. We must learn to take responsibility for our actions and consider their consequences not only on our own interests but also on the interests of others.
4th August 2009
ON THE NEED TO PRESENT A UNITED FRONT
United we stand, divided we fall. We can only achieve the seemingly impossible by tackling the seemingly improbable. Our dreams, our goals, our lives, and our future depend on the decisions we make today. History will not be kind to those that fail to act.
21st July 2009
ON THE INDIVIDUAL
Until we change our individual perspectives we cannot effectively change the status quo.
19th July 2009
ON RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND PEOPLE
'Serve God your Creator with all your heart, love your neighbour as the Good Book says and it shall be well with you'
11th August 2009
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FACEBOOK
The positive effects of Facebook as an instrument of social and family networking cannot be ignored. Critics who deride it as addictive might be a litttle bit misguided. Is your mobile phone addictive? No! It is necessary and valuable just like FB. Facebook has afforded me the opportunity of reaching out to my friends and family far and wide. Suddenly, people I have given up for lost are showing up on the radar.
16th August 2009
ON THE CRY FOR CHANGE
Everbody is crying 'change' but do they really desire change? People tend to change their minds in the face of sustained persecution or a tremendous gratification! First, we put the cat in charge of our meat and then we prosecute the chicken for the missing meat! We glorify the same people that tread on our heads and shout down the men that attempt to salvage our sunken boat. Which way Nigeria?
23rd August 2009
ON JESUS
When you have Jesus you have everything. His words are true and His promises are always delivered. Happy is the man or woman who puts God first in all things. He reigns!
22nd September 2009
ON THE TRUTH
The truth is greater than fiction
7th September 2009
ON GRATITUDE
Eni to ba mo inu ro, a mo ope da. Thank you Jesus.
15th September 2009
ON THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DEBATE
Freedom is not something that we need to fight for as it is the residual nature of all that is not proscribed. It is the Right to express ourselves without fear of persecution or recrimination that should be entrenched in our constitution!
7th July 2009
ON GENTLEMEN
Peace, not War. Love, not Hate. Those are the ideals of a true gentleman!
30th June 2009
ON THE PRESS
The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression. I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression.
However, the freedom to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel. Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. The restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty!
5th July 2009
ON THE NEED TO ACT
Should we leave things like that, ‘SAD’ as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of people like Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Barrack Obama in the United States of today. Perhaps likewise ,our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That, will be our legacy!
5th July 2009
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Peace in Ogun State (Revisited) FB 05/07/2009
DELE OKENLA
Sunday, 05 July 2009
The doctrine of Separation of Powers is one of the better tenets of modern democracy. This, in effect, means that the actions of the executive arm of the government will be subject to checks by the legislative arm leaving the judiciary to serve as the ultimate arbiter.
In light of this supposition, one can reasonably conclude that the hyped-up stand-off between the Executive and the Legislature in Ogun State is nothing but merely democracy in action, so why all these hulla-balloo?. There cannot be an effective check and balancing if the two arms of the government are too pally!
It is the duty of the Executive to come up with huge proposals and it is also the duty of the Legislature to check these proposals for accountability. There is no crime committed on either side, it is just a normal political process.
What is not normal, and somehow disheartening, are the personal attacks and negative press being concocted by overzealous supporters of both sides.
The Executives and the Legislators are all paid employees of the State and it is exactly this sort of legitimate argument, whether you believe it or not, that they are paid to iron out purposefully. I would, in fact, be truly alarmed if this were not the case.
The main culprits therefore in this whole fracas, as far as I can see, are the poison-trigger-happy writers who seem to thrive on sensationalism and who seem to think to some degree that 'patriotism' is really the same thing as 'activism', (Apology to Omo Omo)
For the records, even though I have some admiration for the so-called G-15 and immense respect for the office of the Governor, I share none of their political beliefs and I would rather see all of them without exception replaced by a new order of morally upright individuals.
Yet as patriots, we are morally bound to support the government of the day no matter how undesirable we may think they are. And since the government consists of not only the Executive but also the Legislature, then we ought to support all the parties (Pardon my pun).
For the sake of progress, I will strongly appeal to the supporters of the State Governor to stop personal attacks of any kind on the members of the legislature and equally appeal to the supporters of the G-15 to stop demonising the Governor in any way.
What we need in Ogun State is peace not war.
Seun Oloketuyi
Well spoken
05 July at 15:39
Adegboyega Otunba
well said let us engage in meaningful suggestions to move our state forward
05 July at 16:11
Ayo Sonubi
We all know the problems, but how, and when would we start, its talking, talking, talking everyday, lets start something before this country crashes. @ Seun the ball is in your court
05 July at 16:46
Rufus Kayode Oteniya
Those who want peace must certainly be prepared for war. As shine comes after rain, all we want now is peace in Ogun State after this war. So let peace reign.
Dele, blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God.
05 July at 16:57
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, like you prudently stated above, Seperation of powers, is the most salient feature of Democracy. Being conscious of this fact, then you must realise that the press being the fourth arm of the Government, must be allowed by all Democrats to perform their duties accordingly.
05 July at 17:07
Olukayode Okenla
I have watched with keen interest the politics of Ogun State and Nigeria in general. It is important that we need peace and develoment in the gateway state. Ogun state is blessed with abundant resources (human, natural and others). It is also important that the 3 arms of government are allowed to perform their functions effectively and in line with the constitution and that politics should be played with probity, good governance, accountability and more importantly in the overall development of the state.
A state without peace cannot achieve development and good government and I therefore enjoin and appeal to many meaningful ogun state indigines and non indigenes who have the interests of the state should step in by contributiing their quotas in whatever capacities and positions in moving the state forward. I am impressed with the contributions so far and we should join our hands together in an atmosphere of
peace, harmony, good and rich debate to assist our state.
05 July at 18:19
Dele Okenla
Dear Abbey, I totally agree with your views. The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression.
I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression. However, the right to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander, nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel.
Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. That restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty
05 July at 18:31
Laja Omotayo
I think we are missing the point here... are these guys/girls there on merit or due to allegiance ( via oath taking etc) to others. The debate should be on the qualification of our representatives and executive to put together a plan that will enrich all of us... I AM NOT SURE WE HAVE THAT IN PLACE!!!!!! also... talking about separation of power, who decides on appointments to the judiciary? figure this out
the constitution needs to be changed as the judiciary shd not depend on the executive
05 July at 18:32
Abiodun Falodun
Thank you Dele that is rule of law but about your state we have to keep our finger cross im from Ondo state what is going on there is new maybe changes want to happens to Nigeria politics from Ogun state!
06 July at 02:32
Abiodun Falodun
To swear to an allegiance is our culture not a religion and is part of our tradition but to used it is as blackmalling will have effect now or later.Think before you do it,think about your family after your are gone nobody have to suffured because of your failure to any allegiance.!That is egun idile,you will go but think of the family.Thanks .Abiodun Falodun.
06 July at 05:13
Toks Toxy
Dele, you & i know for sure that when it comes to politics in
Nigeria, this is not true, and infact it's just the opposite.
Politics in Nigeria is that of SAD story.
06 July at 10:46
Dele Okenla
Toks, should we leave it like that, SAD as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Obama in the US of today. Perhaps our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That will be our legacy.
06 July at 11:02
Toks Toxy
Lets start first from I- Ode, and see how it goes....
06 July at 11:19
Daniel Sync Olusanya
We need leaders with the intention(s) of putting the basic needs of our citizens FIRST!
All this politics bickering is just a joke. People’s lives are wasting away; while our so called leaders find pleasure in power struggle.
We need more FERVENT AND ACCOUNTABLE LEADERS like Fashola (Lagos State Governor).
06 July at 21:15
Kenny Olaoba
I KNOW PEACE WILL STILL REIGN IN OGUN BUT PRAY MUCH WLD NOT HV BEEN DESTROYED BEFORE PEACE TIME.
06 July at 22:08
Oluwole Makinde-Odusola
@ Okenla, Dele - I think Santa granted your request, we now have peace in Ogun State!
I admire your passion forthe upliftment of the people through grassroot activism. You have answered the question if not you, whom? If not now, when?
08 Decenmber at 11:45
Sunday, 05 July 2009
The doctrine of Separation of Powers is one of the better tenets of modern democracy. This, in effect, means that the actions of the executive arm of the government will be subject to checks by the legislative arm leaving the judiciary to serve as the ultimate arbiter.
In light of this supposition, one can reasonably conclude that the hyped-up stand-off between the Executive and the Legislature in Ogun State is nothing but merely democracy in action, so why all these hulla-balloo?. There cannot be an effective check and balancing if the two arms of the government are too pally!
It is the duty of the Executive to come up with huge proposals and it is also the duty of the Legislature to check these proposals for accountability. There is no crime committed on either side, it is just a normal political process.
What is not normal, and somehow disheartening, are the personal attacks and negative press being concocted by overzealous supporters of both sides.
The Executives and the Legislators are all paid employees of the State and it is exactly this sort of legitimate argument, whether you believe it or not, that they are paid to iron out purposefully. I would, in fact, be truly alarmed if this were not the case.
The main culprits therefore in this whole fracas, as far as I can see, are the poison-trigger-happy writers who seem to thrive on sensationalism and who seem to think to some degree that 'patriotism' is really the same thing as 'activism', (Apology to Omo Omo)
For the records, even though I have some admiration for the so-called G-15 and immense respect for the office of the Governor, I share none of their political beliefs and I would rather see all of them without exception replaced by a new order of morally upright individuals.
Yet as patriots, we are morally bound to support the government of the day no matter how undesirable we may think they are. And since the government consists of not only the Executive but also the Legislature, then we ought to support all the parties (Pardon my pun).
For the sake of progress, I will strongly appeal to the supporters of the State Governor to stop personal attacks of any kind on the members of the legislature and equally appeal to the supporters of the G-15 to stop demonising the Governor in any way.
What we need in Ogun State is peace not war.
Seun Oloketuyi
Well spoken
05 July at 15:39
Adegboyega Otunba
well said let us engage in meaningful suggestions to move our state forward
05 July at 16:11
Ayo Sonubi
We all know the problems, but how, and when would we start, its talking, talking, talking everyday, lets start something before this country crashes. @ Seun the ball is in your court
05 July at 16:46
Rufus Kayode Oteniya
Those who want peace must certainly be prepared for war. As shine comes after rain, all we want now is peace in Ogun State after this war. So let peace reign.
Dele, blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God.
05 July at 16:57
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, like you prudently stated above, Seperation of powers, is the most salient feature of Democracy. Being conscious of this fact, then you must realise that the press being the fourth arm of the Government, must be allowed by all Democrats to perform their duties accordingly.
05 July at 17:07
Olukayode Okenla
I have watched with keen interest the politics of Ogun State and Nigeria in general. It is important that we need peace and develoment in the gateway state. Ogun state is blessed with abundant resources (human, natural and others). It is also important that the 3 arms of government are allowed to perform their functions effectively and in line with the constitution and that politics should be played with probity, good governance, accountability and more importantly in the overall development of the state.
A state without peace cannot achieve development and good government and I therefore enjoin and appeal to many meaningful ogun state indigines and non indigenes who have the interests of the state should step in by contributiing their quotas in whatever capacities and positions in moving the state forward. I am impressed with the contributions so far and we should join our hands together in an atmosphere of
peace, harmony, good and rich debate to assist our state.
05 July at 18:19
Dele Okenla
Dear Abbey, I totally agree with your views. The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression.
I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression. However, the right to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander, nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel.
Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. That restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty
05 July at 18:31
Laja Omotayo
I think we are missing the point here... are these guys/girls there on merit or due to allegiance ( via oath taking etc) to others. The debate should be on the qualification of our representatives and executive to put together a plan that will enrich all of us... I AM NOT SURE WE HAVE THAT IN PLACE!!!!!! also... talking about separation of power, who decides on appointments to the judiciary? figure this out
the constitution needs to be changed as the judiciary shd not depend on the executive
05 July at 18:32
Abiodun Falodun
Thank you Dele that is rule of law but about your state we have to keep our finger cross im from Ondo state what is going on there is new maybe changes want to happens to Nigeria politics from Ogun state!
06 July at 02:32
Abiodun Falodun
To swear to an allegiance is our culture not a religion and is part of our tradition but to used it is as blackmalling will have effect now or later.Think before you do it,think about your family after your are gone nobody have to suffured because of your failure to any allegiance.!That is egun idile,you will go but think of the family.Thanks .Abiodun Falodun.
06 July at 05:13
Toks Toxy
Dele, you & i know for sure that when it comes to politics in
Nigeria, this is not true, and infact it's just the opposite.
Politics in Nigeria is that of SAD story.
06 July at 10:46
Dele Okenla
Toks, should we leave it like that, SAD as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Obama in the US of today. Perhaps our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That will be our legacy.
06 July at 11:02
Toks Toxy
Lets start first from I- Ode, and see how it goes....
06 July at 11:19
Daniel Sync Olusanya
We need leaders with the intention(s) of putting the basic needs of our citizens FIRST!
All this politics bickering is just a joke. People’s lives are wasting away; while our so called leaders find pleasure in power struggle.
We need more FERVENT AND ACCOUNTABLE LEADERS like Fashola (Lagos State Governor).
06 July at 21:15
Kenny Olaoba
I KNOW PEACE WILL STILL REIGN IN OGUN BUT PRAY MUCH WLD NOT HV BEEN DESTROYED BEFORE PEACE TIME.
06 July at 22:08
Oluwole Makinde-Odusola
@ Okenla, Dele - I think Santa granted your request, we now have peace in Ogun State!
I admire your passion forthe upliftment of the people through grassroot activism. You have answered the question if not you, whom? If not now, when?
08 Decenmber at 11:45
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