By Tony Adibe
The Founder of Grace Uzoma Okonkwo Foundation (GUOF), Professor Florence Orabueze, has said that what is practiced in Africa as liberal democracy has some defects due to lack of respect for the rule of law, which ordinarily, ought to be given priority.
Professor Orabueze said this at Nsukka while briefing newsmen on the upcoming 4th international conference of the foundation.
NewsBits recalls that the GUOF has organised several conferences in the past with one dwelling fully on the burning issue of human trafficking in Africa even as the conference proferred solutions to the menace.
Professor Orabueze, the former Director, Institute of African Studies (IAS), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), established the foundation in memory of her late mother, Mrs Grace Uzoma Okonkwo, said to be a ” great lover of peace and education.”
Orabueze explained that the ceremony was organised by GUOF in collaboration with the Department of English, Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State. She said the paper of this year’s Conference entitled: “Democracy and the Rule of Law in 21st Century Africa: A Multidisciplinary Reflection,” is expected to focus extensively on liberal democracy.
Orabueze said that scholars from different universities across the country would interrogate and find out if what is practiced in Africa is really, a liberal democracy.
Prof. Florence Orabueze
According to her, “Respect for Rule of law is the backbone of liberal democracy in developed countries but the critical question is, why democracy practiced in Africa does not respect rule of law. These scholars from different universities and disciplines will interrogate and provide answers why democracy practiced in Africa is not the same with that of developed countries of the world.”
Prof Aloysius Okolie, the Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) would be the keynote speaker, according to Orabueze, who added that Prof. Gaji Dantata of Faculty of Education, Bayero University, Kano would be among lead paper presenters.
She disclosed that, the opening ceremony of the 3-day conference would be on May 11 at Jerry Marriott Hotel, Nsukka and would be chaired by Dr Nnia Nwodo, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The former Director of IAS also disclosed that, Prof Greg Nwakoby, Vice-Chancellor Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State would be the Chief Host while UNN Emeritus Professor, Prof El Anatusi would be Special Guest of Honour and Igwe George Asadu, Traditional Ruler of Ihe-Owerre Nsukka Community would be royal father of the day.
Orabueze said some distinguished Nigerians who have done much to ensure peace and unity in the country would be conferred with “Pilar of Peace Award” during the conference. In his remark, the Secretary, Local Organising Committee (LOC) , Dr Uche Okonkwo, said the committee was working round the clock to ensure scholars and dignitaries expected were present during the conference.
Okonkwo said the outcome of the conference would make the public to know what is really wrong with democratic governments in Africa and how to change the narrative.
