Valedictory Session: Corruption, Deeply Rooted In Nigeria — Justice Rhodes-Vivour

A retired Supreme Court Justice, Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, on
Monday admitted that corruption is deeply rooted in Nigeria like
any other country in the world.

However, he canvassed for concerted efforts to be made in order
to reduce the abnormally.

The apex court justice who bowed out of the bench pleaded that
corruption must be tackled through genuine efforts so as to make
life more meaningful for the citizenry.

At a valedictory court session held in his honour at the Supreme
Court complex, Justice Rhodes-Vivour said Nigeria is no exception
when it comes to corruption.

He added that what should be done is to reduce it to the barest
minimum. “Corruption exists in all the countries of the world.
Nigeria is no exception. ” What should be done is to reduce it
drastically thereby making our dear country an exception by
building credible and transparent systems” Justice Rhodes-Vivour
stated.

The jurist also faulted the conduct of elections in the country,
lamenting they are protracted because the stakes are too high.

Justice Rhodes-Vivour noted that most elections are usually
resolved by the courts simply because most politicians are never
satisfied with the results announced by the electoral umpire.

However, he renewed his appeal that the country’s electoral act
be amended to shift the burden of proof to the Independent National
Electoral Commission to prove that it conducted a fair and
reasonable election.

Also speaking at the court session, the Chief Justice of
Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad described Rhodes-Vivour as “Affable
brother Justice” who diligently and meticulously offered
unquantifiable services to Nigeria and humanity.

“We are all here today to felicitate with an accomplished
jurisprudential iconoclast that has offered the best of his
intellect to the advancement of the legal profession through his
several years of inimitable adjudications” the CJN stated.

According to the CJN, “His Lordship is a rare gem and
unblemished symbol of humility and piety.

“His proficiency in the dispensation of justice, which is
anchored on his mastery of law, presents him as a man of honour and
scholarship.

“His judgments are not only incisive but also analytical and
opulent by all standards. His robust contributions to the
development of our jurisprudence are inviolable and fascinating.
His impeccable attention to details in every matter before him is
alluring and salutary as well” the CJN said.

Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, on Monday bowed out of the
Supreme Court bench on Monday, March 22, on attaining the mandatory
retirement age of 70 years.

The jurist before his retirement was the next ranking Justice
after the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Justice Rhodes-Vivour was born March 22, 1951 to the family of
Hon. Justice Akinwumi Rhodes-Vivour and Mrs M.E Rhodes-Vivour (all
of blessed memory), in Lagos Island Local Government, Lagos
state.

A retired Supreme Court Justice, Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, on
Monday admitted that corruption is deeply rooted in Nigeria like
any other country in the world.

However, he canvassed for concerted efforts to be made in order
to reduce the abnormally.

The apex court justice who bowed out of the bench pleaded that
corruption must be tackled through genuine efforts so as to make
life more meaningful for the citizenry.

At a valedictory court session held in his honour at the Supreme
Court complex, Justice Rhodes-Vivour said Nigeria is no exception
when it comes to corruption.

He added that what should be done is to reduce it to the barest
minimum. “Corruption exists in all the countries of the world.
Nigeria is no exception. ” What should be done is to reduce it
drastically thereby making our dear country an exception by
building credible and transparent systems” Justice Rhodes-Vivour
stated.

The jurist also faulted the conduct of elections in the country,
lamenting they are protracted because the stakes are too high.

Justice Rhodes-Vivour noted that most elections are usually
resolved by the courts simply because most politicians are never
satisfied with the results announced by the electoral umpire.

However, he renewed his appeal that the country’s electoral act
be amended to shift the burden of proof to the Independent National
Electoral Commission to prove that it conducted a fair and
reasonable election.

Also speaking at the court session, the Chief Justice of
Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad described Rhodes-Vivour as “Affable
brother Justice” who diligently and meticulously offered
unquantifiable services to Nigeria and humanity.

“We are all here today to felicitate with an accomplished
jurisprudential iconoclast that has offered the best of his
intellect to the advancement of the legal profession through his
several years of inimitable adjudications” the CJN stated.

According to the CJN, “His Lordship is a rare gem and
unblemished symbol of humility and piety.

“His proficiency in the dispensation of justice, which is
anchored on his mastery of law, presents him as a man of honour and
scholarship.

“His judgments are not only incisive but also analytical and
opulent by all standards. His robust contributions to the
development of our jurisprudence are inviolable and fascinating.
His impeccable attention to details in every matter before him is
alluring and salutary as well” the CJN said.

Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, on Monday bowed out of the
Supreme Court bench on Monday, March 22, on attaining the mandatory
retirement age of 70 years.

The jurist before his retirement was the next ranking Justice
after the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Justice Rhodes-Vivour was born March 22, 1951 to the family of
Hon. Justice Akinwumi Rhodes-Vivour and Mrs M.E Rhodes-Vivour (all
of blessed memory), in Lagos Island Local Government, Lagos
state.