Remawa posted on March 18, 2009 13:06
The rule of law policy of government is an instrument to drive change in the polity, and the drive in due course will bring a permanent change to Nigeria.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), who stated this yesterday in Abuja at the occasion of the presentation of the award, “Icon of Rule of Law” to him by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), commended them for appreciating the efforts of government.
He declared that by this action, the students had demonstrated their conviction that President Yar’Adua embarked on a noble cause with this policy, and with the full backing of Nigerian students, noting that the President, a former teacher, would appreciate the recognition accorded him by the association, as well as their pledge of support.
He thanked them for the award, adding that it would be an inspiration to both the President and himself to continue treading the path of justice.
On the request from the association for the dismissal of a lecturer in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, accused of raping an under-aged girl, the Attorney General promised that the rule of law would take its course and the lecturer would be disciplined if found guilty.
Speaking earlier, the National Secretary of NANS, Martin Igwe, who led other executive members to the occasion, lauded President Umar Yar’Adua’s commitment to rule of law, applauding the Judiciary for upturning the results of improperly-conducted elections in some states.
On the award to the Minister, he said it was in solidarity with the rule of law policy, pledging the full backing of Nigerian students to the Attorney General and the present administration.
He decried the plight of awaiting trial inmates, some of whom, he said, contract deadly diseases while there. According to him, 65% of prisoners in Nigeria are non-convicts.
The National Secretary called for the proper investigation of the Jos crisis and the application of the rule of law in bringing the culprits to book.
The Attorney General dedicated the award to all believers of rule of law in the country.