Justice Oputa Back To Life

The spirit of Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, the late Supreme
Court Judge, will be brought to life next month in Abuja as issues
on Nigeria’s economy and governance and rule of law, which he stood
for, would be the focal point for both national and international
delegates who will converge for the maiden edition of the Justice
Oputa Annual Conference.

The conference, to be held in partnership with the Nigeria
Governors Forum (NGF) as disclosed by Mr. George Oputa, Chief
Executive Officer of the Justice Oputa Foundation at a press
briefing in Abuja will bring forth practical, evidenced based
ideas, knowledge and resources that will help policy makers and
industry to deliver on promises for growth and prosperity for
all.

Beyond the economy and governance, Oputa stated that the
foundation is also concerned about the spate of insecurity in the
country which is why part of the agenda will focus on finding the
crucial pathway at achieving peace, security, and political
stability which is a sine-qua-non for sustainable economic
advancement and improved human development index.

He stressed that the conference, billed to hold on December 4,
2018, will bring researchers together with eminent persons, policy
makers/public sector representatives, legal professionals, commerce
and industry experts in ongoing conversations and exploration of
issues, ideas and analysis which forms its core areas of
concern.

“When these core groups of people meet to rub minds and cross
fertilise ideas, there will be no doubt that Nigeria and Africa
will benefit in the long run,” he said.

Concerned about the level of governance across board in the
country as well as the wobbling nature of the economy, Oputa
pointed out that annual conference will draw the attention of a
wide spectrum of Nigerian and African audiences to the necessity
for, and insistence on, good governance for the promotion of
accountability, transparency, efficiency and rule of law at all
levels, allowing for efficient management of human, natural,
economic and financial resources for equitable and sustainable
development, and guaranteeing civil society participation in the
decision-making processes.

He also stated that it will also reinforce the essence and
sanctity of the supremacy of the rule of law, equality of all
citizens before the law, accountability of all to the law, fairness
in the application of the law, separation of powers, legal
certainty and avoidance of arbitrariness.

At the end of the day, Oputa said, “We expect the conference to
help the larger Nigerian nation have a shared understanding that
good governance starts with getting the right people in positions
starting from the approaching 2019 elections- leadership to be
defined by character, competence and capacity. Good governance
should be reflected in appointments and employments into, or
reorientation of the public service, to a great extent, in sync
with global best practice.

“That good governance is impeded when the character, capacity or
competence of prospective elective office holders are questionable;
That it begins with adherence to the sanctity of the rule of
law…That it happens when governments and industry apply high
standards of ethics, knowledge and innovation to address
challenges, leverage opportunities to achieve competitive advantage
in a world that is ever more competitive,” he added.

The conference will also place emphasis on improving fiscal
discipline especially in the area of public financial management
systems; and improve human development index.

In the area of economic diversification and improved business
environment, the conference will set the stage for solutions that
will in the end strengthen governance and accountability at both
government and corporate levels.

On what the future portends, Oputa stated that, “in the next 5
years, the Justice Oputa Annual Conference is expected to provide a
priceless platform that brings together leading entities, eminent
persons and young bright minds from government, business, and civil
society to proffer conceptual and empirical solutions for
accelerated development and prosperity of Nigeria. You will agree
with me that the day is already far spent and the time to act is
certainly now.”

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Obi of
Onitsha HRM Nnaemeka Alfred Nnanyelugo Achebe are honourary patrons
of the foundation.