• Calls for Judicial Reform, Anti-Corruption Laws to Strengthen Governance
By: Oluwatowoju Fapohunda
A professor of Political Science at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Adebukola Osunyikanmi, has advocated for increased gender inclusion in Nigeria’s democracy, emphasizing its importance for promoting good governance.
She made this call during the 29th inaugural lecture of the university, held at the institution’s multipurpose auditorium on Tuesday, August 22, 2024.
The lecture, titled “Democracy and Gender Inclusion: Synthesising Political Phenomenon for Good Governance,” saw Professor Osunyikanmi addressing the critical need to correct the underrepresentation of women in politics. She argued that this gender imbalance hinders the transformation of democracy and governance in the country.
Highlighting the unconscious bias against women in Nigeria’s political landscape, the inaugural lecturer called for a re-orientation of the national consciousness.
She urged political parties to actively recruit credible and competent women for both legislative and executive positions, thereby promoting true democracy.
Addressing broader challenges facing Nigeria's democratic system, Professor Osunyikanmi lamented issues such as electoral fraud and the judiciary's failure to adequately perform its constitutional duties.
She proposed judicial reforms to restore public confidence in the legal system, noting that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on ensuring the integrity of the ballot, where every vote counts.
“The lack of internal democracy and absence of ideology have negative effects on the activities of political parties in Nigeria. All political parties must create a level playing ground for all aspirants who seek to contest elections on their platforms. The undemocratic practice of imposing candidates on their members should cease immediately.
As a matter of urgency, each of the political parties should develop a unique ideology that will enable the electorate to differentiate them according to their stand on national issues, evaluate their candidates by considering their competence and integrity, and make wise choices at the polls,” she added.
The professor also expressed dissatisfaction with corrupt practices in public administration, which she said have severely damaged governance in Nigeria. She urged the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intensify their efforts against corruption.
To further combat this issue, Professor Osunyikanmi recommended that Nigeria adopt the Unexplained Wealth Law, modelled after the UK's, which would allow courts to issue Unexplained Wealth Law Orders (UWLO) for investigating public officials suspected of acquiring assets through corrupt means.
Concluding her lecture, Professor Osunyikanmi stressed the need to prioritize the mobilization of women for active political participation, urging government bodies and political parties to champion this cause.
The Vice Chancellor of AAUA, Professor Olugbenga Ige, who had earlier presented the lecturer, lauded Professor Osunyikanmi for her scholarly contributions, describing her as an intellectual whose impact transcends the classroom.
The event was well attended by the principal officers of the university, members of the senate, faculty deans, staff, students, and family members of the inaugural lecturer, as well as other well-wishers.
