While President Bola Tinubu consistently vows to promote the rule of law, his administration has failed to uphold the same rule of law consistently.
Development Diaries reports that at the ongoing annual general conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima vowed to keep promoting the rule of law, adhere to the principles of separation of powers, and tolerate dissenting views within the ambit of the laws of Nigeria.
‘Let me reassure you all that this administration will continue to promote the rule of law, adherence to the principles of separation of powers and tolerance of dissent within the bounds of the law’, he declared, represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
This vow by the president seems to contradict the reality of his administration.
There have been allegations of corruption and misuse of power which have plagued his government, with accusations of shielding allies from prosecution and selectively applying the law.
Also, President Tinubu’s government has been criticised for its handling of dissent and opposition. While he claims to tolerate dissenting views, there have been instances where the government has clamped down on protests and silenced critical voices.
The use of security forces to suppress peaceful demonstrations and the harassment of journalists and activists during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests contradict his commitment to respecting civil liberties and freedom of expression, which are fundamental components of the rule of law.
The latest was the arrest and detention of a journalist, Isaac Bristol, popularly known as @PIDOMNigeria.
Also, despite the administration’s claims of making progress in legal and judicial reforms, concerns remain about the independence of the judiciary.
Furthermore, the slow pace of implementing meaningful reforms to strengthen judicial independence further highlights the gap between President Tinubu’s rhetoric and his actions in promoting the rule of law.
Recall that President Tinubu, during his inauguration on 29 May, 2023, assured that he would govern according to the Nigerian constitution and the rule of law.
However, over one year down the line, the president’s words lack reassurance as far as promoting the rule of law in Nigeria goes.
Development Diaries calls on President Tinubu to ensure that his administration not only voices support for the rule of law but also demonstrates it through consistent and transparent actions.
Photo source: Presidency
