By Ayo Oyoze Baje
One of the most significant factors that define and drive the engine of democratic processes is respect for the rule of law. That explains why constitutions are drafted and approved, with the aims and objectives to protect human rights and freedom of association and expression. In its full essence, the Constitution prevents the government and its officials from abusing power.
It also specifies the functions of
the arms of government, be it the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.
As for the 1999 constitution of Nigeria (as amended) it is predicated on
promoting the principles, norms and ethos of democracy.
With it, Nigerians are supposed to be separated far from “The law of the jungle” which as an expression has come to describe a scenario where “anything goes”. In fact, the Oxford English Dictionary defines the Law of the Jungle as “the code of survival in jungle life, now usually with reference to the superiority of brute force or self-interest in the struggle for survival”.
