From Oluseye Ojo and Eniola Oyemolade, Ibadan
Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday said the pervading culture of impunity has been largely responsible for the retarded growth of Nigeria.
He disclosed this at the inauguration of boards of Judicial Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, and Pension Board, at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan.
Ajimobi stressed that the culture of impunity had been gathering momentum in the country based on the fact that the rule of law was lacking in many societies, especially developing countries.
His words: “If you see a country that works well, believe me, the first thing they observe is the rule of law. If you see a country where anything goes, where there is a culture of impunity, that country is a failed country. It is not a country that will function well.
“Many of us had the opportunity to travel to various countries, they obey the law. If they say don’t do this, you don’t do it. The first level of human face is to obey the law because God that created us made law for us, though He is a kind God. That is why He created hell and paradise. If you don’t obey the law, you will go to hell. Please, let us obey the laws of the land. It is a foundation of a civilised society.
“So, I have noticed that in my six years as governor, one of the major impediments to progress is the culture of impunity. I believe there is a need for us to begin to reset our minds, to have a mind change so that this country will be a better one.”
The Judicial Service Commission, chaired by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Muntar Abimbola, has Ayoola Ajayi as secretary. Other members are Commissioner for Justice, Oluseun Abimbola; Esther Akerele; Ademola Salami and Adelakun Emmanuel.