Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara, yesterday reiterated the need for politicians and public office holders to subject themselves at all times before the law.
Dogara stressed that “rule of law still remained the bulwark of good governance sustenance of the social contract between the state and the governed.”
He stated this in a speech he delivered as chairman of the rule of law summit organised by the Law Students of Nigeria.
He 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, who was represented by the member Representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Mr. Jonathan Gaza, 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, the Convener of the Rule of Law Summit, Ms. 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.
Agbomere said: “In any society where there is no respect for rule of law, there is always 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.
She disclosed that they were developing an application referred to as “Theapp,” which would be launched very soon to ensure the promotion of access to justice and will ensure every Nigerian knows his or her rights.
