Although not a lawyer, I'm intrigued and fascinated each time I read the Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria. As a matter of fact, I study that sacred document oftentimes and passionately, and a visitor to my room would easily spot that document on my study table. Perhaps there is a deep desire within me to know what my rights and privileges are as a citizen, as well as my responsibilities and obligations to my dear country.
In particular, I feel thrilled knowing and understanding the Fundamental Objectives And Directive Principles Of State Policy as contained in that sacred document. In my candid opinion no nation with such meticulously drafted Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles Of State Policy should remain underdeveloped after 49years of independence. But that is not my worry for now.
My worry however is this; do elected officials and political appointees in Nigeria understand the full import of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution?
Each time politicians take an Oath of Office, do they believe in the sanctity of that Oath?
The Seventh Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution set out the Oath of Allegiance, Oath of Office of President, Oath of Office of Vice President, Deputy Governor, Minister, Commissioner or Special Adviser, Oath of a Member of the National Assembly, and Judicial Oath.
Each of those Oaths of Office represents a clarion call for the Oathtaker to put national interest above personal and selfish interests, and also places immense responsibility on the shoulder of the Oathtaker to strive to preserve the Fundamental Objectives And Directive Principles Of State Policy contained in the Constitution.
And what's more? Each Oath ends on a solemn note, ''........So help me God.''
If there is anything that is lacking among politicians in today's Nigeria, it is the fear of God.
There is something about the fear of God that inspire honesty, integrity and faith. There is somthing about the fear of God that inspire selflessness, purposefulness and courage. There is something about the fear of God that make men want to lead accountably and responsibly.
The fear of God is essential in entrenching good governance in any polity. I'm not talking about mere religion here, and religious rites. By the way, Nigerians are very religious people. So religious, yet so far from God. What I'm talking about here is the relationship between the mirror of man [ conscience ] and his maker, God. When conscience is alive to God, the thought that God sees the content and character of it literarily persuades men to live justly.
I therefore call on politicians and poilitical officeholders in Nigeria to align their consciences with God, and know that there is nothing done in secrecy that is actually secret. The politics of authority without accountability is a mirage. It doesn't exist. Ultimately, all men are accountable to God.
Let's borrow the wise counsel of King David of ancient Israel who said:
''....He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.'' 2 Samuel 23:3 [ KJV ]
Finally, the Seventh Schedule and indeed all provisions of the Constitution must henceforth be respected by all and sundry in Nigeria.
Adedayo Adetoye
Tel: +234 805 191 2385
e-MAIL: adetoyeadedayo@googlemail.com
In particular, I feel thrilled knowing and understanding the Fundamental Objectives And Directive Principles Of State Policy as contained in that sacred document. In my candid opinion no nation with such meticulously drafted Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles Of State Policy should remain underdeveloped after 49years of independence. But that is not my worry for now.
My worry however is this; do elected officials and political appointees in Nigeria understand the full import of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution?
Each time politicians take an Oath of Office, do they believe in the sanctity of that Oath?
The Seventh Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution set out the Oath of Allegiance, Oath of Office of President, Oath of Office of Vice President, Deputy Governor, Minister, Commissioner or Special Adviser, Oath of a Member of the National Assembly, and Judicial Oath.
Each of those Oaths of Office represents a clarion call for the Oathtaker to put national interest above personal and selfish interests, and also places immense responsibility on the shoulder of the Oathtaker to strive to preserve the Fundamental Objectives And Directive Principles Of State Policy contained in the Constitution.
And what's more? Each Oath ends on a solemn note, ''........So help me God.''
If there is anything that is lacking among politicians in today's Nigeria, it is the fear of God.
There is something about the fear of God that inspire honesty, integrity and faith. There is somthing about the fear of God that inspire selflessness, purposefulness and courage. There is something about the fear of God that make men want to lead accountably and responsibly.
The fear of God is essential in entrenching good governance in any polity. I'm not talking about mere religion here, and religious rites. By the way, Nigerians are very religious people. So religious, yet so far from God. What I'm talking about here is the relationship between the mirror of man [ conscience ] and his maker, God. When conscience is alive to God, the thought that God sees the content and character of it literarily persuades men to live justly.
I therefore call on politicians and poilitical officeholders in Nigeria to align their consciences with God, and know that there is nothing done in secrecy that is actually secret. The politics of authority without accountability is a mirage. It doesn't exist. Ultimately, all men are accountable to God.
Let's borrow the wise counsel of King David of ancient Israel who said:
''....He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.'' 2 Samuel 23:3 [ KJV ]
Finally, the Seventh Schedule and indeed all provisions of the Constitution must henceforth be respected by all and sundry in Nigeria.
Adedayo Adetoye
Tel: +234 805 191 2385
e-MAIL: adetoyeadedayo@googlemail.com
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