A retired Supreme Court Justice, Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, on Monday, admitted that corruption was deeply rooted in Nigeria.
He, however, canvassed concerted effort to deal with the scourge in order for life to be more meaningful for the citizenry.
He spoke at a valedictory court session held in his honour at the Supreme Court complex.
Justice Rhodes-Vivour said Nigeria was no exception when it comes to corruption.
He stated that what should be done was to reduce it to the barest minimum.
Read him: “Corruption exists in all the countries of the world. Nigeria is no exception.
“What should be done is to reduce it drastically thereby making our dear country an exception by building credible and transparent systems.”
He faulted the conduct of elections in the country, lamenting they were protracted because the stakes were too high.
According to him, most elections were usually resolved by the courts simply because most politicians were never satisfied with the results announced by the electoral umpire.
Rhodes-Vivour repeated his call for the amendment of the Electoral Act to shift the burden of proof to the Independent National Electoral Commission that it conducted a fair and reasonable election.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad described Rhodes-Vivour as “Affable brother Justice” who diligently and meticulously offered unquantifiable services to Nigeria and humanity.
“We are all here today to felicitate with an accomplished jurisprudential iconoclast that has offered the best of his intellect to the advancement of the legal profession through his several years of inimitable adjudications,” the CJN stated.
Read the CJN: “His Lordship is a rare gem and unblemished symbol of humility and piety.
“His proficiency in the dispensation of justice, which is anchored on his mastery of law, presents him as a man of honour and scholarship.
“His judgments are not only incisive but also analytical and opulent by all standards.
“His robust contributions to the development of our jurisprudence are inviolable and fascinating.
“His impeccable attention to details in every matter before him is alluring and salutary as well.”
Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, on Monday, retired from the Supreme Court bench on Monday, March 22, consequent upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
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