AFBA Urges Respect For Rule Of Law

The African Bar Associa
tion has described the ongoing anti-graft campaign of President Mohammadu Buhari  as the right step in the right direction, stressing, however, that the federal government must respect the rule of law.
AFBA’s interim president, Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo while describing corruption as big issue which needed to be tackled decisively disagreed with the view that Buhari’s government was being despotic.
He took this position while briefing journalist in Lagos on AFBA’s upcoming rebirth conference, holding in Banjul, the Gambian capital from May 15 to 18, 2016.
The conference, which will hold at  Kaivaba Beach Resorts, Serrekunda is with the theme, “The Rule of law, sure pathway to Africa’s Prosperity.”
In the groups view, the economic prosperity of African countries is tied to respect for the rule of law because according to it, “wherever the rule of law is respected there will be peace and when there is peace, there is room for development.”
Hannibal said,” Africa does not have a clear cut development agenda. We are called a dark continent. Where do we place ourselves. The only thing we feel in AFBA that can save Nigeria is to toe the path of the rule of law and constitutional democracy which will guarantee our prosperity.
“If all countries in Africa were to follow the principles of the rule of law, there will be peace and if there is peace, there will be progress.”
Hannibal, however, differed with the argument from some quarters that the anti-graft agencies super heading the Buhari’s anti-graft war were being highhanded especially with respect to the arrest of suspect following court bail.
“ I have not seen anything despotic about what government is doing. If you committed 20 offences and you given bail in one, you can be arrested for the other offences.
“The government will have to use that tactics until they get everything out of you. There is never anywhere there is unlimited freedom. If you are suspected to have stolen the country’s money, then you have to bear some in conveniences. An accused person is not like a free person. For me I think that the government is doing its best.