Good governance beyond politics - Fashola

Former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has called upon lawyers to actively champion good governance. He urged them to engage in law reform, ensure effective law enforcement, and participate more broadly in public service.

Delivering a keynote address titled “Law, Leadership and the Ballot: Governance Beyond Politics” at the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch Law Week, Fashola argued that governance should transcend mere political contests and electioneering. Instead, he emphasized its core purpose: enhancing the quality of life for citizens through the diligent application of laws.

Fashola criticized the frequent and often misunderstood use of the term "status quo" in political and legal discussions. He advocated for simpler language, suggesting alternatives like "current situation" or "state of affairs" to improve public comprehension and reduce ambiguity. He firmly rejected the notion that misconduct or unethical behavior could be excused as mere "politics," asserting that such actions are simply "bad behavior."

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How many of us have encountered situations of unacceptable conduct or behaviour, which we are then told: ‘Oh, it’s just politics’? I think the time is right in a gathering of many lawyers to resolve that bad behaviour is not politics; instead, it is simply bad behaviour.

He posited that politics, when properly understood as the art and science of government, should be a noble pursuit dedicated to public service and the collective good, not personal gain. Fashola highlighted that good governance entails the government's capacity to fulfill its constitutional duties while effectively responding to the needs of its citizens. He cited the 1999 Constitution, underscoring the government's legal obligation to prioritize citizen security and welfare, ensure equal educational opportunities, protect the environment, and guarantee food security.

Furthermore, Fashola advocated for evidence-based governance, encouraging governments to conduct polls, surveys, and research to accurately understand and address the needs and expectations of the populace. He expressed a strong conviction that state and local governments are better positioned than the federal government to deliver effective governance due to their proximity to the people, stating, "While there may be shared responsibility across levels of government, the sub-national governments are best suited to deliver good governance based on the principle of proximity of power."

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It is my strongly held view that while there may be shared responsibility across levels of government, the sub-national governments are best suited to deliver good governance based on the principle of proximity of power.