A jurisprudence of the rule of law: An appraisal of its application in Nigerian democracy today

Abstract

The Rule of law is the most important concept in public law and indeed, in every  democratic society. The concept considers every citizen as equal before the law. It  sanctifies the priority of the law – common good, over personal, sectional and group  concerns. In this way, the law is enabled to provide a common measure of acceptable social behaviour in the absence of which anarchy will reign, making social life and  government impossible. In the previous republics in Nigeria, the rule of law has not  been quite impressive. What was the case had been an irregular rise and fall of the rule  of law. But in the wake of the fourth republic, the situation has significantly improved.  This essay will attempt to analyze the concept of rule of law and examine most common perspectives to it. Thereafter, the temper of the rule of law in the present (fourth)  republic will be considered against the backdrop of earlier republics. Then,  recommendations for a more realistic and sustained rule of law will be made.