Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, and former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe, have called for a national rebirth rooted in accountability, justice and civic courage.
The trio made the call on Friday during the 28th Wole Soyinka Lecture Series and National Association of Seadogs (NAS) Martyrs’ Day held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled, “Reclaiming the Nigerian State through Accountability, Justice and Civic Courage,”Chidoka said Nigeria’s governance crisis stems not from a lack of laws but from the selective enforcement of those laws.
According to him, the country operates an “alibi culture,” where public officials often justify failures instead of taking responsibility.
He argued that accountability should extend beyond explanations and audits to include correction, restitution and sanctions for abuse of power.
Chidoka also maintained that constitutional restructuring alone would not solve Nigeria’s challenges, stressing the need for a national moral consensus built on justice, equal citizenship and responsible leadership.
He advocated stronger protection for whistleblowers, greater respect for court orders, transparent governance and reforms to reduce prolonged pre-trial detentions, noting that over 64 per cent of inmates in Nigerian correctional centres are awaiting trial.
In his remarks, Soyinka said the annual lecture honours victims of state brutality, extrajudicial killings and mob violence, insisting that every human life must remain sacred in any democratic society.
The Nobel Laureate condemned what he described as the growing culture of impunity, citing cases such as the killing of a young man by a police officer, the mob murder of Deborah Yakubu and the 1997 detention of members of the National Association of Seadogs, popularly known as the “F-18.”
Soyinka urged Nigerians to continue demanding justice for victims of abuse while calling on authorities to reopen unresolved cases of political assassinations and extrajudicial killings.
Speaking at the event, Alaibe said sustainable development cannot flourish where accountability is lacking and public institutions remain weak.
He urged Nigerians to embrace responsible leadership, noting that nations are rebuilt when institutions are stronger than individuals and citizens choose integrity over convenience.
Alaibe also paid tribute to Soyinka on his 92nd birthday, describing him as a symbol of principled patriotism whose lifelong commitment to justice continues to inspire generations.
Earlier, NAS Capn, Dr. Joseph Oteri, said the lecture formed part of activities marking the association’s Martyrs’ Day, commemorating members who were detained for 72 days during the military regime after being falsely accused of opposing the government of the late General Sani Abacha.
