By Yemi Oyeyemi, Abuja.
Stepping down from Supreme Court Bench on account of age, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour on Monday took on two of Nigeria’s major headaches – corruption and elections – and urged their menace be tackled headlong to reduce corruption to the barest minimum, and the amendment of the electoral law so that the burden of proof of a free and fair election be left to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
At a valedictory session, he lamented that corruption is deeply rooted in the country adding: “Corruption exists in all the countries of the world. Nigeria is no exception. What should be done is to reduce it drastically thereby making our dear country an exception by building credible and transparent systems”.
He, however, canvassed that concerted efforts must be put in place in order to reduce the anomaly to the barest minimum.
The apex court Justice who bowed out of the bench on attaining 70 years on Monday pleaded that corruption must be tackled headlong through genuine efforts, so as to make life more meaningful for the citizenry.
At the valedictory court session held in his honour at the Supreme Court complex, Justice Rhodes-Vivour the jurist also faulted the conduct of elections in the country, lamenting they are protracted because the stakes are too high.
Justice Rhodes-Vivour noted that most elections are usually resolved by the courts simply because most politicians are never satisfied with the results announced by the electoral umpire.
However, he renewed his appeal that the country’s Electoral Act be amended to shift the burden of proof to the Independent National Electoral Commission to prove that it conducted a fair and reasonable election.
Speaking at the court session, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad described Rhodes-Vivour as “affable brother Justice” who diligently and meticulously offered unquantifiable services to Nigeria and humanity.
“We are all here today to felicitate with an accomplished jurisprudential iconoclast that has offered the best of his intellect to the advancement of the legal profession through his several years of inimitable adjudications” the CJN stated.
According to the CJN, “His Lordship is a rare gem and unblemished symbol of humility and piety.
“His proficiency in the dispensation of justice, which is anchored on his mastery of law, presents him as a man of honour and scholarship.
“His judgments are not only incisive but also analytical and opulent by all standards.
“His robust contributions to the development of our jurisprudence are inviolable and fascinating.
“His impeccable attention to details in every matter before him is alluring and salutary as well” the CJN said.