Good governance beyond politics – Fashola
June 25, 2026 1:43 am
Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde-Fashola
Former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has called on lawyers to take a more active role in promoting good governance through law reform, effective law enforcement and greater participation in public service.
Fashola made the call on Tuesday in Lagos while delivering the keynote address titled “Law, Leadership and the Ballot: Governance Beyond Politics” at the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch Law Week.
Speaking on the theme “Altering the Status Quo: Going Against the Norm,” he argued that governance should not be reduced to political contests and electioneering but should focus on improving the quality of life of citizens through the effective application of laws.
He noted that Nigeria was in a political transition period, with increasing political activities ahead of future elections, but stressed that discussions on governance should transcend partisan considerations.
Fashola criticised the frequent use of the term “status quo” in political and legal discourse, describing it as a phrase that had become contentious and often misunderstood.
He suggested the adoption of simpler expressions such as “current situation” or “state of affairs” to enhance public understanding and reduce ambiguity.
Fashola rejected the notion that misconduct, and unethical behaviour could be excused as political practice.
“How many of us have encountered situations of unacceptable conduct or behaviour, which we are then told: ‘Oh, it’s just politics’? I think the time is right in a gathering of many lawyers to resolve that bad behaviour is not politics; instead, it is simply bad behaviour,” he said.
According to him, politics, properly understood as the art and science of government, ought to be a noble enterprise dedicated to public service and collective good rather than personal interests.
The former minister maintained that the real conversation should focus on the quality of governance rather than politics.
He identified good governance as the government’s ability to fulfil constitutional obligations while responding to the needs of citizens.
Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution, he noted that the government was legally bound to prioritise the security and welfare of citizens, provide equal educational opportunities, protect the environment and ensure food security.
He further emphasised the importance of evidence-based governance, urging governments to conduct polls, surveys and research to understand the needs and expectations of the people.
Fashola argued that state and local governments were better positioned than the Federal Government to deliver effective governance because of their proximity to the people.
“It is my strongly held view that while there may be shared responsibility across levels of government, the sub-national governments are best suited to deliver good governance based on the principle of proximity of power,” he stated.
Highlighting the role of law in governance, he said the making and rigorous implementation of laws remained the strongest guarantee for effective administration.
He expressed concern over widespread disregard for traffic regulations, particularly driving against traffic, which he described as a threat to public safety. He advocated stricter penalties, including longer custodial sentences without the option of fines, for offenders whose actions endanger lives and property.
According to him, citizens are more likely to enjoy security, confidence and predictability when laws are consistently enforced.
Fashola also reminded citizens that governance was a shared responsibility, pointing to constitutional duties such as paying taxes, participating in community service and assisting lawful authorities in maintaining law and order.
He questioned Nigeria’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions despite its obligations under international climate agreements.
“Having signed the Paris climate change treaty, ratified under Section 12(1) of the Constitution, are we not bound to reduce carbon emissions? If we are, why are we still promoting, selling, distributing and operating petrol engine motorcycles and tricycles that increase our carbon dioxide footprint?” he asked.
The former governor urged greater support for cleaner energy initiatives, including the use of compressed natural gas, while encouraging citizens to connect environmental challenges with everyday choices.
As part of measures to improve public safety and accountability, Fashola advocated the elimination of anonymity in the transport sector through the strict enforcement of vehicle registration requirements.
“No one must be permitted to operate any type of vehicle without proper registration,” he said, adding that the requirement should apply equally to political leaders and ordinary citizens.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Mr Adeniyi Quadri, described the theme as both timely and provocative, noting that significant progress throughout history had often been achieved by individuals and institutions willing to challenge established norms and question long-held assumptions.
According to him, Nigeria is currently at a critical crossroads, confronted by economic difficulties, governance concerns, security challenges, pressures on democratic institutions and growing demands for justice and accountability.
“In such times, merely maintaining the status quo may no longer be sufficient. The question before us is whether we possess the courage, vision and leadership required to chart a different course where necessary,” Quadri said.
He emphasised the role of lawyers as custodians of the rule of law, defenders of constitutional democracy and advocates of justice, stressing that their responsibility extends beyond interpreting the law to ensuring that legal and institutional structures effectively serve the people.
Quadri explained that the Law Week programme was deliberately designed to stimulate robust discussions on leadership, governance, justice administration, economic development and the future of the legal profession.
In a goodwill message, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Founding Partner of Pinheiro LP, Kemi Pinheiro, commended the NBA Ikeja Branch for its longstanding commitment to professional excellence and innovation.
Pinheiro described the branch as a centre of excellence and progressive thought within the legal profession, noting that it had consistently distinguished itself through intellectual engagement and leadership.
He said the Law Week theme presents an opportunity for lawyers to re-evaluate existing systems in legal practice and justice administration while embracing innovative approaches to address persistent challenges.
Similarly, former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association and Life Bencher, Mr Jonathan Taidi (SAN), urged lawyers to remain committed to defending justice, strengthening institutions and upholding the rule of law amid growing challenges facing governance and public institutions.
Taidi described the Law Week as more than an annual professional gathering, saying it offers an opportunity for lawyers to reflect on their role in society, assess the direction of the justice system and reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of the legal profession.
“The Law Week is not merely an annual professional gathering. It is an important moment for the Bar to reflect on its role in society, examine the direction of the justice system and renew its commitment to the ideals and values that give meaning to the legal profession,” he said.
Also, the Chairman of the Continuing Legal Education and Practice Development Committee of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Mr Victor Opara (SAN), challenged lawyers to use the Law Week platform to develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
Opara observed that insecurity remains one of the most serious threats confronting the country and warned that the legal profession cannot afford to remain silent in the face of the challenge.
“We cannot feign ignorance of the ominous and pervasive inclement security weather ravaging our society and challenging the foundations of our nation,” he said.
Onozure is a correspondent of The PUNCH on the judiciary beat. She has over a decade experience covering criminal and civil matters from the magistrate to the appellate courts. She’s a graduate of Political Science
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