Legend Line Coral Opinion Page (7th March 2014) Basic Institutions and the Law – by Deji Adekurolere A loose society is the one, not properly guided by law and refuse to caution or put an end to the carefree attitude of citizens when setting poor values for others to embrace in the course of enjoying and exercising their rights. Positive values emphasize precept based on right conduct and virtue. Citizenship on the other hand, connotes freedom or rights of citizens, “Rights” is anything that is correct, suitable and morally good. If “right” posit correctness, suitability and morality, the attitude and motive of citizens should align with the posit and expresses it in the course of exercising their rights for the general good of the society. In this regard, the authorities need to check the excesses of the citizens. The seemingly difficult and uncontrollable situations that bedevil many societies today is traceable to the weaknesses of the institutional framework that serves as the bedrock of the society. They are the basic institutions for character formation and right attitude namely; matrimonial background, the rendezvous for early training/apprenticeship for skill acquisition and empowerment e.g educational institutions. Also exposure to religious tenet, all determine an individual’s attitude and outlook to life thus, produces the society at large. For instance, Nigerian law does not make it mandatory or specify it as a criminal offense for a man without job or means of livelihood to lead a woman to the altar for marriage. Neither the wife nor the future children are guaranteed by the law of a set standard or requirements that a man must satisfy for the proper upbringing of the children and the upkeep of the matrimonial home. My early exposure to Christianity hitherto illuminate my vision, understanding and assurance to the completeness of God’s grace in the life of every believer, if only he can strive for His kingdom and “these things will be given unto you as well”. “Do not be afraid little flock for it is your father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”. Luke 12: 31-32. Today, in many places of worship, there are lot of unnecessary addition to this recommendation by Christ as a condition to receive blessings from God. More so, what many preaches neither situate salvation and love as the essence of faith. Wrong preaching has not only misled by imparting wrong values and poor attitude in adherent, also, it reflects in their relationship with others and has a serious negative effect on the society generally. Taking a look at Islam, Mohammed the founder preaches love and peace, he remains the role model to every Muslim faithful questioning the origin and entrant of fanaticism and fundamentalism which has caused a lot of havoc and destruction to both human and other valuables in many parts of the world. As pointed earlier, the educational system needs an overhaul. In the past, schools were founded to impart knowledge, preserve right values and promote good conduct. Also, for their effective operation, there was a modus operandi for both public and private ones. However, agitation for setting up institutions that will strengthen and ensure proper enforcement of the law, call for a re-think in view of the many problems ascribed to the basic and fundamental institutions upon which the entire society rely, for adequate functioning. The laxity in our law system which many in different quarters believe is reversible by setting up institutions that will further strengthen the existing laws and ensure their proper enforcement is illusory since the supposed institutions clamored for, like the present laws are both produced by the same society admitted by all, as gamut of corruption. A wanton society should re-examine the institutions that produces the society which I mentioned earlier for positive changes to be effected rather than be preoccupied with the institutions that emanate from inequitable system for effectiveness and proper functioning. For a re-examination, seriousness and commitment should be attached to marriage as an institution vis-a-vis setting standard or requirements that must be met by every parent for children upbringing. Furthermore, the holy book assertiveness on salvation and love should be adopted as the standard to be preached all over, while wrong indoctrination need to be checked. Moral excellence of character and good conduct should be taught and highly emphasized in our educational curriculum. It is evident that freedom of religion has given way for many to deceive, mislead and cause crisis. Equally, marriage institutions which is devoid of strings attached to it has been encouraging triviality which has led to the collapse of many marriages and resulted into broken homes thus, improper upbringing of the children. A comparism between the standard of education in the past and present will reveal the need to scrutinize our educational system. As Nigerians remain optimistic on the sovereign national conference and its outcome with the appointment of Justice Idris Kutigi and Professor Bolaji Akinyemi as Chief Scribe, the basic institution that produces the society should be harnessed to the matter arising for a review.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 11:57:16 +0000
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