THE BURIAL OF THE RULE OF LAW BY POLITICAL LEADERS: THE BANE OF A VIRILE AND DEVELOPED NIGERIA

The rule of law is the most important feature of good governance in a democratic polity. It preserves the jurisdiction of the Courts and promotes checks and balances of governmental powers. Adherence to the rule of law is seen more in a democratic system of government than in military dispensation. Although in practice, there is no ideal promotion of the rule of law. This thus calls to question the current abuse and lack of respect for rule of law in Nigeria. Worried by this scenario and the devastating consequences it portends for the development of Nigeria in all ramifications, it becomes essential that the gaps be addressed. Adopting a qualitative approach the study relied mainly on documented evidence in the literature for the secondary information used in the study. It was found that the rule of law is faced with serious systemic challenges resulting mainly from flagrant abuse of rule of law by mainly the executive arm of government and its agents. The study, therefore, reinforced the urgency of the need to constitutionally strengthen the autonomy of the judiciary to make it more independent and efficient in the administration of justice. In the submission of this study, the laws of the Federation of Nigeria require review so as to provide safeguards for the rule of law so that court judgments and orders will be always respected by all. In the overall context, all Nigerian leaders need to undergo re-orientation to enable them to understand and appreciate democratic values and principles that will engender a virile and developed Nigeria.