A retired Supreme Court Justice, Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, has lamented the level of corruption in the country despite efforts of the judiciary.
The 70-years-old apex court Justice who bowed out of service on Monday urged those still working to ensure that corruption is tackled via genuine efforts to make life more meaningful for defenceless Nigerians.
He spoke on Monday at a valedictory court session held in his honour at the Supreme Court complex.
Justice Rhodes-Vivour who lamented that the country is no exception when it comes to corruption said it must be reduced to the barest minimum, noting that it had gone deep into the system.
“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.
Speaking on elections in the country, Justice Rhodes-Vivour faulted how it is been conducted in Nigeria which according to him tends to sabotage the rights of the citizens.
He said Nigerian politicians are too desperate for political offices and as such, they have difficulties in accepting electoral results.
He added that it is unfortunate that elections in the country are always finalised in the court.
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 Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad described Rhodes-Vivour as “A fable brother Justice” who according to him, have offered unquantifiable services to the nation.
“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.
