Absence of Justice, equity stall development – Cleric

THE rise in ethnic agitation in some parts of the country has been linked to the absence of justice and equity.

  This was made known by an Islamic cleric and founder of Shafaudeen ‘L Islam religious organisation, Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, on Thursday, during the monthly guests’ forum organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council.

  Prof Olagoke also a former Dean, School of Engineering, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, said the judiciary system of the country needed to be upright in discharging its statutory duty of delivering justice and equity with any form of bias.

  He maintained that Nigeria is faced with myriad of problems, stressing that the high rise in poverty among the citizenry has given birth to various criminal activities affecting the security architecture of the country.

  According to him, there must be justice and equity, to get sustainable development, which is the ultimate goal of true democracy.

  “The poverty rate in our society today is so high, and this has over the time given birth to criminal activities such as ritual killing of innocent citizens, kidnap for ransom, banditry among others.

  “Government at all levels should seek the wellbeing of the citizens, and also work on reducing poverty in the society. This will surely bring crime to the minimal rate.

  “Job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the country will also address the high rate of crime in the country,” Prof. Olagoke suggested.

  He also stressed that no meaningful progress, nor development can be achieved if security challenges are not properly addressed by the government.

  On education, the Professor of Engineering called on government to increase the budgetary allocation given to the sector.