- Prof. Hussaini Abdu says FIDA has remained resilient and strategic in pursuing its mission
Notable rights advocate and onetime Minister of Solid Minerals in Nigeria, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili has expressed concern that “the economics of justice is sadly regressive in Nigeria.”
Speaking yesterday in Abuja, Ezekwesili who was FIDA Nigeria’s 60th anniversary colloquium lecturer said Nigerians no longer have confidence in the justice system.
Asserting that a small percentage of badly behaved politicians have enough resources to buy their way to favourable judgments, Dr. Ezekwesili, an advocate for transparency and an economic policy expert, pointed out that the poor in Nigeria have no access to justice while the “rich have enough resources to purchase justice.”
She also called for a deliberate approach to ensuring women are adequately represented in politics and governance while urging women lawyers who are the majority in the legal profession (70%) to make a difference by working towards restoring trust and confidence in Nigeria’s system.
Earlier, the event’s Keynote speaker, Prof. Hussaini Abdu, Ph.D. an academic, development and humanitarian specialist, highlighted the power, passion, dexterity, and excellence women have exhibited in the private sector. He then suggested that incorporating these qualities into the public space would benefit society.
Prof. Abdu expressed the importance of understanding what it means for an organization to be 60 years old in Nigeria, especially for those who have been part of this journey over the past six decades, as well as for new members and students who are just joining FIDA.
He pointed out that the 60-year journey of FIDA is closely linked to Nigeria’s broader political context since independence, as it has navigated through democratic transitions, military rule, and socio-economic challenges.
Professor Abdu highlighted FIDA’s resilience and strategic acumen in remaining steadfast in its mission, even during turbulent times.
He highlighted FIDA’s efforts in partnership building and collaboration, mentioning how FIDA worked with international organizations to leverage global presence and advocate for human rights and women’s issues under military regimes. “By collaborating with multiple organizations”, he said, “FIDA amplified its voice without drawing undue attention.”
