Speeches

Launch Of Books Written By The Hon. Justice Sidney A. Afonja (Rtd.), Former Chief Judge Of Ondo State

Mar 19, 2009 - A gathering of this nature always gives me great pleasure because of its value-added dimension. And more significantly, when it has to do with a profession that has given me passion and fame over these years.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am very delighted to be at this occasion marking the official launch and public presentation of books written by an eminent jurist, Honourable Justice Sidney Adeyemo Afonja (Rtd.), former Chief Judge of Ondo State. The Hon. Justice Afonja is an embodiment of humility, an intellectual giant and a consummate jurist, who through his meritorious service at the bench contributed immensely to the dispensation of justice in Ondo State and indeed, Nigeria.

What we are witnessing here today therefore, is in furtherance of his numerous contributions and efforts at ensuring orderly conduct, law and order in the society. For a man who believes in justice and the rule of law, it is therefore not a surprise that he has come up with these brilliant works, even from retirement.

From my observation, the books being launched today; “The essential laws for the Nigerian Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies”, and “The Nigeria Road Traffic Laws and Regulations” are informative, educative and reference materials, which would enrich the existing corpus of literature on the subjects and go a long way in educating the readers and in instilling in them the right attitudes, and idea about law and order in the society. I believe that through this effort, the Hon. Justice has further reawakened our consciousness by not only reminding us of the existence of these laws, but also by shedding more light on the critical aspects in them and the need to ensure compliance by the citizenry.

Laws are meant to be obeyed; they deter, prohibit and sanction; regulate behaviours more so as they are enacted to ensure good governance and orderly conduct in the society. Incidentally, one of the books deals with an important aspect of our public lives about which this administration has been very passionate and shown great commitment in Lagos State, which is traffic management.

When we came on board, one of the major challenges we were confronted with was the effective management of traffic situation in Lagos State. Lagos is highly populated, with a high volume of vehicular movement in all its major routes and highways, almost on an hourly basis. A situation which over the years had posed a great deal of challenges both to the government and citizens in the State.

In proffering solution to the near chaotic traffic situation, we embarked on various programmes and strategies to ease traffic and make traveling within and around Lagos more rewarding. Part of our strategies in the regard has been the provision of basic infrastructure, including the construction, re-construction and expansion of road networks across the State.

We have also taken steps to ensure compliance with the existing traffic rules and regulations, by placing stringent penalties on all traffic offenders in the State. Since some of the identified problems, has been that of indiscipline and recklessness by some of the motorists and road users, relevant laws have been promulgated to check their excesses, especially on public roads and high ways. And I think without being immodest, we have been doing well compared to other city-states of the world like London and New York with better infrastructure and other effective means of transportation like rail and ferry services.

Exactly a year ago, the Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) was launched as part of our efforts to decongest traffic in Lagos State. It is our hope that with all these policies and programmes traffic in Lagos State, would be reduced to the barest minimum within the shortest possible time.

While commending the efforts and contributions of this erudite jurist, may I also emphasize on the need for all road users to always adhere strictly to relevant traffic laws, regulations, codes and signals, as this would go a long way to ensure safety and orderliness on our roads and highways.

On the other hand, the Nigeria Police as an integral arm of the government empowered to enforce law and order in the country, have been playing crucial roles in ensuring security of lives and property in the State. While acknowledging the various challenges the Police have encountered over the years, I must also commend them for doing a good job. In Lagos State, security of lives and property of all citizens and residence in the State has been our priority, and we shall leave no stone unturned in our determination to bequeath to our people a safer and prosperous State.

I am sure that the book on the laws of Nigerian Police and other security agencies will further deepen our understanding of the challenges of policing and the need for citizens to be security-conscious.

Finally, I congratulate the author of these books, Hon. Justice Sidney Adeyemo Afonja (Rtd.) former Chief Judge of Ondo State on this occasion. I once again, commend his efforts and concern for orderly conduct in the society and do hope that this publication would go along way to achieve desired results in the society.

I would encourage all of us to make sure we have copies of these books.

Thank you for listening.

Eko O Ni Baje.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA (SAN)
GOVERNOR, LAGOS STATE