Discussion
Details
The country representative of KAS, Mrs. Hildegard Behrendt-Kigozi gave her opening address by recognizing the task ahead for the main speaker, Prof. Yusuf Turaki. She highlighted the concept of equality before the law as an integral part of rule of law, and also raised the idea of the influence of the faith based organizations on individuals and families, to which every citizen in Nigeria belongs. Invariably, this means the faith based organizations have influence on the whole society, and if they promote the rule of law, Nigeria will be better off.
Prof. Turaki, from Jos ECWA Theological Seminar (JETS), took a critical look at the concept of rule of law from a theological perspective, saying every aspect of the rule of law should be based on the universal moral standard which in turn is based on universal moral ethic. This universal moral ethic is based on the dos and don’ts of humanity, how the citizens behave to each other according to God’s injunctions.
Prof. Turaki suggested having a national strategy for the rule of law in Nigeria by the major faiths in Nigeria. This is where a national strategy on how adherents of each faith obey the laws of the nation will be worked out.
Imam Uthman Animashaun from Nasrul-Lahi-il-Fatih Society (NASFAT) headquarters in the panel discussion saw the obeying of the rules and laws of the land as an individual responsibility, where the faith based organizations must not relent to keep reminding the adherents. He maintained that there is no dichotomy between the religion and morality in Islam, as morality is a very important part of Islam.
Rev. Fr. Barrister Francis Anozie, a Catholic priest from Awka diocese of Anambra State enlightened the participants of the activities of the Catholic Church in promoting rule of law through active and passive participations. By active participation, the Church encourages priests to study law and related courses to be able to direct their adherents on the right path, and defend themselves in a court of law. He used himself as an example of a priest, who is also a lawyer. By passive participation he referred to such activities of the Church like Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) which is saddled with the responsibility of bringing civic education, peace and conflict management to the citizens, irrespective of their faiths.
This panel discussion was moderated by Mrs. Behrendt-Kigozi the country representative of KAS. The participants asked many important questions that prompted the panellists and the main speaker to give more insight to the issues raised.