Titus Eleweke
18 November 2008
Lagos — Former President, Nigerian Bar Association Mr. Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has advised Africans not to rejoice over the victory of Barack Obama in the just concluded American Presidential election because Africa may not benefit anything from his government.
He also commended the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Benin, Edo state that returned the former President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Adam Oshiomhole as the duly elected governor of Edo state.
Olanipekun gave this advice on the occasion of University of Lagos, Alumni Association 2008 merit awards dinner night held last weekend at the institution's multi purpose hall.
He said the election of Obama as the President of America may not benefit Africans because he was not going to change the America system to focus more on developing the continent.
'We should stop basking in the euphoria of Obama's victory because we may not gain anything from his government, rather, we should strive to create our own system like that of America that works, he said.
He also called on Nigerians to learn from the experience of Obama, an African-America winning the U.S.A Presidential poll, adding that his victory was significant to Nigeria's politics to allow competent and capable persons to contest an election in a free and fair election in the country.
He said Nigeria should not be narrow minded on who become their political leaders rather should be interested in those who are capable of leading them to greatness.
"We should avoid this tribal and religious sentiment in our body politics, the best should be encouraged and supported to contest and win an election, this is what Obama election has taught us in Nigeria," he added.
Olanipekun stated that Obama was able to win the presidential election because Americans have a workable system that every Nigerian should emulate to move this country forward.
"What has happened in America is an eye opener for us to learn, so that we can move this great country forward irrespective of our tribe, religion, Nigeria should be seen to be more important than any person," he said.
On Oshiomhole's electoral victory, Olanipekun said it was good for our democracy and the rule of law in the country, stating that the action of federal government under President Yar'Adua has clearly demonstrated that he is committed to the rule of law in the country.
"It shows that rule of law under President Yar'Adua can not be put under the door again; when the judgment was given nobody queried the judgment. I handled the case of the former governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, the then President, Chief Obasanjo refused him taking over governance immediately, but this case the federal government obeyed the ruling of the Appeal Court without any objection, there is hope for rule of law under this present government," he said.
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