Democracy and the Rule of Law in Nigeria: 1999 - 2015

Abstract

Democracy and the rule of law are inseparable concepts that make it possible for modern societies to function effectively and thus guarantee peace, harmony and egalitarianism in the 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. 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.

Keywords: The rule of law, impunity, democracy, weak institutions, Nigeria.