THE RULE OF LAW AS AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT IN DEMOCRATIC GOVERNENCE: A CRITIQUE ON NIGERIA: 1999-2017

Abstract

Rule of law; an inseparable aspect of democratic governance is a concept that makes it possible for modern societies to function effectively and thus guarantee peace, harmony and egalitarianism in the society. Democracy, the rule of law and good governance are the key elements that are imperative for the existence of what Plato, in his “The Republic”, described as an “ideal state”. It is generally believed that every state, no matter how crude, primitive or authoritarian, is saddled with the problems of the rule of law, democracy and good governance. No doubt democracy provides a conducive and stimulating environment for the rule of law to thrive, while the rule of law sustains democracy. Good governance, on the other hand, promotes and strengthens both democracy and the rule of law in every modern society. This study examines how much of the rule of law have been adhered to since the emergence of the prevailing democratic dispensation in Nigeria especially between 1999 and 2017. The paper relied on secondary mode of gauging information; and it found that, frequent disregard for the rule of law in the present democratic dispensation by the ruling elites and their cronies, is as a result of the fact that the institutions of governance are built around individual leaders (ruling elites) and this makes it impossible for such institutions to function appropriately and independently as political corruption, abuse of power, judicial ineptitude, poor leadership and absence of due process has further pauperize majority of the citizenry. It however suggested, amongst other things that, emphasis should be on how to empower institutions of government  to the extent that individual leaders will find it rather too strong to manipulate for their selfish benefits.