Varsity Don Urges Political Leaders to Recognise Authority, Strict Obedience to Constitution

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja


Piqued by the illegality inherent in the political space in Nigeria, a varsity don Professor Abdulrahaman Suberu, has urged political leaders to recognise the authority that derives its legitimacy not merely from electoral victory but from faithful obedience to the constitution and unwavering commitment to the public good.

He stressed that institutions must be empowered to function independently, impartially and professionally.

Suberu, who is a renowned Professor of History and International Relations, made the call while delivering the 45th Inaugural lecture of the Federal University, Lokoja, at the Felele Campus of the institution yesterday.

He explained that the lecture is intended not to apportion blame for its own sake, but to provoke honest reflection on the historical, institutional, and moral foundations of Nigeria’s democratic experience.

According to him, “The evidence presented in this lecture demonstrated that the persistence of political illegalities is neither accidental nor the responsibility of a single institution or generation.

“It is the cumulative product of colonial administrative legacies, prolonged military authoritarianism, weak institutional development, political opportunism, inadequate civic engagement, and failures of ethical leadership.

“History teaches us that no nation develops sustainably when public institutions are weakened by impunity, when constitutional rules are subordinated to personal interests, or when political power is exercised without accountability.

“Equally, history reminds us that societies are capable of renewal when they choose to strengthen institutions rather than personalities, uphold the rule of law rather than arbitrary power, and promote justice above expediency.

“Accordingly, the challenge before Nigeria is not simply to conduct periodic elections or enact additional legislation. The greater challenge is to cultivate a democratic culture in which constitutionalism becomes habitual, public office is regarded as a sacred trust, institutions command public confidence, and citizens actively defend democratic values,” he noted.

He therefore called on citizens to reject every form of political illegality, whether manifested through vote buying, political violence, corruption, or indifference to injustice.


Suberu stated that universities have important responsibility in this national endeavour.

“Institutions of higher learning must continue to produce not only graduates but enlightened citizens; not only technical competence but ethical leadership; not only research publications but ideas capable of transforming public policy and national development.

“As scholars, our responsibility extends beyond classrooms and journals. We are called upon to interrogate established assumptions, challenge injustice with evidence, illuminate public discourse through rigorous scholarship, and contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of democratic governance,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Ibileye, pointed out that inaugural lectures occupy a unique and honoured place in the tradition of a university. “They provide our professors the opportunity to share the fruits of years of teaching, research and reflection.

“They allow the university to present its intellectual strength to the public. More importantly, they help bridge the gap between the classroom and the wider society by translating scholarship into insight that can inform policy, practice and personal conviction.

“Through inaugural lectures, we celebrate academic excellence and reaffirm the role of the university as the conscience of society,” he noted.