The rule of law in governance in Nigeria

Abstract

The rule of law is a liberty centred constitutional concept which stipulates that everything must be done in accordance with the law. It encapsulates such ideals as government according to the law, equality before the law and the independence, and autonomy of the judiciary among others. The rule of law is fundamental and prerequisite in a democratic system of government. It is the pillar of constitutional democracy. It serves as a blueprint for designing an ideal legal system. There is almost the absence of the rule of law in military rule. Military rule is marked with autocracy and rule by force. The people are denied civil liberties which conflict with the dictator’s will. The decree is the supreme law of the land in military dispensation. However, in democratic dispensation constitutionalism and rule of law is supposed to been umero uno. This article will examine the ideal place of rule of law in governance vis-à-vis the Nigerian experience both under democratic and military governance.