Apply rule of law equally to the rich, poor, Ex-House Speaker tells FG

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara has tasked the Federal government of Nigeria on equal treatment of the rich and poor as means of solving nation’s myriad of challenges.

The rule of law, he said, was paramount to the sustenance of democracy and relegating it will not be in the interest of citizens.

Dogara was represented by the member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Gaza at the Rule of Law Summit, organised by Law Student’s Association of Nigeria, in Abuja.

He said it was important for the Federal Government to ensure that laws apply equally to all people, all the time.

He said: “While it may be contended that strict conformity with the formalism and legalism of the rule of law may result into some unjust result; however, the rule of law still remains the bulwark of good governance and sustenance of the social contract between the state and the governed.

“In its simplest form, the concept of the ‘rule of law’ means that we are subject to clearly defined laws and legal principles (rather than the personal whims of powerful people), and that those laws 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.

Dogara insisted that disregard to the rule of law will be the last straw that will the camel’s back, hence the nation cannot pretend to be running democracy when the rule of law is abandoned.

He said Nigerians have demonstrated their desire for democratic governance, but the rule of law which is a fulcrum of democracy must be allowed to run full blast for its sustainability.

“In contradistinction to above is the concept of national security which aimed at limiting the province of personal liberty in the overall interest of the state and for public good.

“While the state would like to promulgate legislations and adopt policies that will continue to curtail individual rights, citizens will rely on the personal liberty provisions within the constitution and international instruments to put the state in check.

“The judiciary 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.

“This delicate balance has proved to be one of the albatross of constitutionalism in Nigeria and currently trending in Nigeria is the position of the Executive that rule of law is subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest.

“National interest is construed mainly as the defence of the state but it is much wider than just defending or protecting the state but extends to the defence and protection of the citizen and the economy”, Dogara added.

In his opening remarks, convener of the summit, Blessing Agbomere, noted that though the country has reasonable laws in all aspects of its national life, he said the problem was implementation and enforcement of the laws.

He warned against disrespect for the rule of law which he said will always lead to anarchy that will eventually being about governance fatality.