By Edward Oseghe
OKADA – Distinguished lawyer, public affairs analyst, former legislator and peace and conflict resolution expert, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, Esq., has urged graduating students of the Oba Erediauwa College of Law, Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), to place justice and the Constitution above every other consideration as they begin their legal careers.
Kuku gave the charge while delivering the valedictory lecture at the College of Law’s Valedictory Service on Saturday, where he spoke on the theme, “The Nigerian State Under Siege: Sovereignty, Constitutionalism and the Imperative of National Renewal.”
He warned that although Nigeria faces significant constitutional and governance challenges, the nation’s future can still be secured through justice, unity and adherence to the rule of law.
“The Nigerian State may indeed be under siege, but no siege is permanent where a people remain united by justice, sustained by hope and governed by the rule of law.
“Let us therefore recommit ourselves to building a Republic in which the Constitution is not merely our supreme law, but our shared national covenant; where Sovereignty is exercised with responsibility; where power is restrained by law; and where every Nigerian, regardless of circumstances, can confidently say that the State exists to protect, not to oppress,” he said.
Kuku maintained that the present generation must move beyond identifying the nation’s problems to rebuilding its democratic foundations.
“If that is accomplished, history will record that present generation did more than diagnose Nigeria’s challenges.
“It will record that we strengthened the foundations of the Nigerian Republic. That, in my respectful view, is the task before us. That is the Republic we must build,” he emphasised.
According to him, the strength of the Nigerian Republic ultimately depends on the commitment of its citizens to uphold constitutional values.
“The future of the Nigerian Republic will depend less upon the words contained in its Constitution than upon willingness of Nigerians to live by them.
“That timeless observation speaks directly to our national condition. Constitutions do not defend themselves. Institutions do not strengthen themselves. Democracies do not preserve themselves. People do.
“Each generation must choose whether to leave its country stronger or weaker than it inherited it. That is now our generation’s responsibility,” he stressed.
He further stated that Nigeria’s future would be secured not by wishful thinking but through visionary leadership, courageous institutions, an independent judiciary, a principled legal profession, active citizenship and unwavering commitment to constitutional governance.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, congratulated the graduating law students, commending them for their academic excellence and personal growth during their years at the institution.
“You have learnt to argue without rancour, to dissent without insult, to defend the weak against the strong, and to defend the truth even when it is inconvenient,” he said.
Describing the valedictory service as a significant milestone, the Vice-Chancellor said it was a moment to pronounce blessings that would sustain the graduates throughout their professional journey.
“You are receiving today the blessing of your teachers, your families, your alma mater, and, if I may be so bold as to say so, the blessing of every Nigerian who still believes that the rule of law is the surest safeguard of our common life,” he stated.
Prof. Ezemonye noted that while the Constitution guarantees justice, equality and human dignity, many Nigerians are yet to experience those promises in reality.
“It is into this gap, between the promise of our constitution and the lives reality of our people that you now march,” he said.
He reminded the graduates that lawyers occupy a pivotal position in shaping the nation’s future and urged them to uphold the ethical standards of the profession and faithfully observe the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor also challenged the graduating class to embrace five guiding principles: integrity, nation-building, honouring the privilege of service, innovation in legal practice and maintaining a lifelong relationship with their alma mater.
He paid tribute to the Founder of Igbinedion University, the Esama of Benin, Chief Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, whose vision, he said, continues to drive the institution’s growth, while also acknowledging the Governing Council and management for their steadfast leadership and dedicated service.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the unveiling of the Igbinedion University Journal of Contemporary Law, a landmark publication aimed at promoting cutting-edge legal scholarship, advancing research, and fostering informed discourse on contemporary legal and constitutional issues within Nigeria and beyond. The journal is expected to serve as a valuable academic resource for scholars, legal practitioners, policymakers, and students.
, to place justice and the Constitution above every other consideration as they begin their legal careers.){kind=link}