Barrister Mack Ogbamosa speaks on emergence of Honesty International

Barrister Mack Ogbamosa is a Co - founder of International Organisation for Promotion of Honesty, otherwise known as Honesty International. He is a man of many parts, a lawyer, political scientist, journalist, public relations consultant and an advocate for honesty. In this interview with Prestige International Magazine, the amiable professional bares his mind on various issues including state of the nation and activities of Honesty International.

Recently DSS invaded a Judge residence and alleged that some Judges are corrupt, what is your view on this?

I don’t support corruption in any form in this country. It is by virtue of this philosophy, swe founded an organization called International Organization for Promotion of Honesty, otherwise known as Honesty International. We believe that people especially those in public offices should honestly account for their activities.  We also believe that they should be held responsible for whatever acts of corruption they are involved in. We believe in President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption. But I do not like the approach that was taken by DSS against the Judges. We are in a civilized society. Arresting judges in a midnight raid was crude. After all they remain suspects until they are proven guilty. This, however, does not mean we support corruption. All corrupt judges must be brought to book   following due process.

What is the mission of Honesty International?

Honesty International is a new organization.  We want the virtues of honesty to be taught at various levels of our educational system especially   our primary and secondary schools. We want governments at local, state and federal levels to give account of their stewardships. By doing this, we will be deepening the values of democracy.Today; virtually all our governments at various levels are not accountable. For instance, most if not all state governors do not account for their security votes. We will probe into the use of our resources for the common good of all Nigerians. This is what we stand for.

As a co- founder of Honesty International, what is your assessment of President Buhari’s administration so far?

I believe in Buhari and I believe in his administration. I have been involved in his bid to become president since 2003 when he made his first entry into civilian politics. I worked in Prince Tony Momoh''s office where we were his campaign managers. This continued till he became President in May 2015. But Buhari of 1983 when he was a military Head of State is not the Buhari of today in terms of agility. He is now an elderly man but his innate qualities remain the same. He is honest and sincere to the cause of reviving the nation. We are aware that the economy was very bad before Buhari came in and it will take some time for it to pick up. You cannot doubt the man's honesty or sincerity.

What is your assessment of Nigeria democracy?

What we have is uninterrupted democracy for about 17 years. But in concrete terms of intsilling democratic culture in our people, there is much to be desired because we are still following the same pattern of Nigeria democracy where you have to be  involved in election rigging and violence in order to get to power.

The struggle to capture power at all cost is still there. There is too much money involved in our democracy.

What is your view on Godfatherism in Nigeria politics?

You cannot rule it out. Godfatherism will always be there, even in more civilised societies, there is element of godfatherism.  But it should not be done in the way that will not allow independence of the office holder.

You are a man of many parts, a journalist, legal practitioner, Public Relations Consultant and an advocate of honesty, can you tell us your background that has really prepared you for these?

As a young man I dreamt of what I’m doing now. I originally wanted to be a medical doctor. When I realized that I could not get sponsorship for the course, I changed my subjects to Arts after obtaining my Secondary School Certificate. I decided to be a Journalist because I read something on the pages of Daily Times in 1980 that changed my cause. I wanted to be an independent professional. I wanted to have my own office where I could offer advice to clients. This where law came in.  When I was Editor in the Daily Times I found time to read law. I was with Tony Momoh for a while before I established my practice. I also belong to public relations Practice.

Let’s talk about your public relations activities, what are the various organizations you have consulted for?

I have consulted and still consult  for several organisations including the Association of Food,Beverage and Tobacco Employers as well as the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.

What is your philosophy of life?

I’m a spiritual person. I believe in sowing and reaping. I give generously because I believe that givers will never lack.

Some stakeholders are calling for true federalism in Nigeria, what is your take on that?

 It is not practicable to have true federalism in Nigeria for now.This is so because of our political history which has largely been dominated by military interventions.We are not likely to have true federalism through negotiation.

As a legal practitioner, what is the cause of delay in court proceedings and tribunals like elections petition tribunals?

The courts  are overburdened and they are not used to digital system. Most of the courts are still analogue based. The courts are also understaffed. Some lawyers are also involved;they deliberately delay cases.

What is the way out?

The system needs to be overhauled.

What is your assessment of Governor Ambode of Lagos State?

Governor Ambode is doing well. He has been working on various developmental projects since he assumed office. He deserves commendation.   I believe he can still do better.

Are you a card carrying member of any political party?

Not really, but I have sympathy for APC. Our political parties do not have ideologies. They   are virtually the same