“This Is Not The Nigeria We Imagined As Young Men” – Dahiru Mustapha, Former Nigeria’s Chief Justice

A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Alhaji Dahiru Mustapha has stressed the need for national unity on a foundation of justice, describing it as a fundamental way to build for the country’s future.

Mustapha was speaking at a lecture to mark the 75th birthday celebrations of Chief Alani Bankole, the Sagunmolu of Egbaland and father of former speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole.

“This is not the Nigeria we imagined as young men”, the retired justice said. “We’re soaked in corruption but we all claim it is our common enemy. The grounds for federal character and representation need to be reevaluated. Personally, I can’t see the rationale behind designation of certain states as educationally disadvantaged and giving unfair advantage to some Nigerians over others.”

“Today, we have media houses that clearly promote sectionalism instead of national unity and this is a trend that has to be tackled immediately.”

In his remarks, the celebrant Chief Alani Bankole described himself as overwhelmed to see many of the guests present including Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the governor of the state who came in from a trip to Lagos. He also urged those present to eschew violence and practice unity at all times in politics.

“Young politicians need to realize that our brotherhood goes beyond party lines”, said Bankole in his speech. “The governor here is in a different party from my son and my good friend, Osoba and myself were in different parties but look at where we all are today.”

Others present at the occasion were Hon. Yakubu Dogara, current speaker of the House of Representatives; Chief Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun state; Alhaji Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa state; Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos and other traditional rulers from Sokoto and within Ogun state; Prince Bola Ajibola, retired Nigerian diplomat.