The circumstances under which the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, was arrested, detained, and released demonstrate disregard for the rule of law. 

Development Diaries reports that an Abuja High Court on Wednesday granted Emefiele bail after the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) finally presented him before the court.

The EFCC had failed to present him in court, contrary to a directive issued by the Federal Capital Territory High Court on 02 November.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier breached the law by detaining him for a prolonged period.

Additionally, in July 2023, the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) was given custody of Emefiele by a court order, but the DSS refused to release him. He was held without proof of the crime he allegedly committed.

It is important to note that President Bola Tinubu was silent all through these instances, while institutions of government blatantly disregarded the rule of law. This is despite the president’s claim of being a democrat.

Constitutionalism and the rule of law are the cornerstones of democracy.

President Tinubu admitted this much during his inauguration when he said, ‘Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the constitution and the rule of law’.

Emefiele’s struggles following his arrest on 10 June, and Abdulrasheed Bawa’s on 14 June, contradict Tinubu’s comments above.

Significantly, the administration of Tinubu has demonstrated flagrant infringements of human rights, contempt for court orders, and violations of the law, which are typified by the excesses of the DSS. It is unacceptable that the government of the day is not a respecter of the rule of law.

In a democratic society, the rule of law serves as a safeguard against discrimination and injustice. When institutions do not respect it, marginalised and vulnerable populations often bear the brunt.

The rule of law is a fundamental pillar that upholds the principles of justice, equality, and order in a democratic society. When institutions entrusted with upholding and safeguarding the rule of law falter or disregard it, the consequences can be dire.

Furthermore, institutions that disregard the rule of law automatically succumb to the abuse of power.

This ‘anyhow’ behaviour that pervades the Nigerian system must not be allowed to thrive. The release of Emefiele should not be celebrated; rather, the government should be held accountable for allowing its agencies to disobey court orders.

Development Diaries insists that the administration of Tinubu truly respects human rights and the rule of law at all times. Government actions must be committed to transparency and accountability.