Former Speaker, House of Representatives, RT. Hon. Yakubu Dogara on Thursday posited that there is need for citizens and government to adhere strictly to the principles of rule of law to ensure good democratic governance.
Dogara stated this in a speech he delivered as chairman of the “rule of law summit” organized by the Law Students of Nigeria.
Represented by Jonathan Gaza, member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal constituency, Dogara said: “Rule of law, is seen as one of the fulcrum of democracy and good governance as opposed to authoritarian or arbitrary government.”
Dogara explained that in simplest term, rule of law means we are subject to clearly defined laws and legal principles rather than the personal whims of powerful people.
He added that those laws must apply equally to all people, all the time. “The idea that no one is above the law, though foreign, is now a foundational principle of our jurisprudence, even if its implementation remains more aspirational than actual” the former Speaker said.
Dogara reminded the judiciary that it is saddled with the responsibility of mediating between the state and the individuals to determine the appropriate province of the rule of law within the legal system.
In his opening remarks, convener of the Rule of Law summit, Blessing Agbomere said the country has reasonable laws in all aspects of its national life but the problem is implementation and enforcement of the laws.
“In any society where there is no respect for rule of law, there is always an anarchy and we cannot call that a society. “Where there is no law, even the government itself will fail.
“There is need for government and individuals to adhere to the tenets and principles of rule of law for good governance.
“If we adhere to the rule of law, it means our lives will be governed by the laws that we have made.
On the second note, Agbomere said they are developing an application referred to as “Theapp”, which will be launched very soon that will ensure and promote access to justice and will ensure every Nigerian knows his or her rights.
The theme of the summit was “Strengthening the rule of law through technology”.