www.idosr.

org Eneasato and Okibe

©IDOSR PUBLICATIONS
International Digital Organization for Scientific Research ISSN: 2579-0757
IDOSR JOURNAL OF CURRENT ISSUES IN ARTS AND HUMANITIES 6(1):15-27, 2020.

Trajectory of Democracy, Rule of Law and National Development in Nigeria;

an Overview of the Muhammadu Buhari Administration 2015 to 2019

Eneasato Benjamin Onyekachi and Okibe Banko Hyginus

Department of Political Science Enugu State University of Science and Technology Nigeria.
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

ABSTRACT
The study explored the trajectory of democracy, rule of law and national development in
Nigeria; an overview of the Muhammadu Buhari Administration 2015 to 2019. The study
addressed three objectives relying on extensive literature review. The methodology is both
descriptive and analytical. The study argued that sustained poor political leadership has
dealt serious blow on the survival of democracy as well as stifled national development in
Nigeria especially under the present dispensation of President Muhammadu Buhari
administration. The absence of good governance explained in terms of defective
constitutional arrangement, resulting in persistent government disregards for rule of law,
disrespect for orders of court, human right abuses via executive lawlessness, corruption,
economic mismanagement, fraudulent electoral system, muzzling and emasculation of the
opposition using government agencies like the EFCC, DSS and the police and lack of
accountability and transparency are the major impediments to democratic consolidation in
Nigeria today. The study suggests that there is urgent need for conscious efforts to
improve the rule of law by strengthening the capacity and transparency of law enforcement
agencies and the judiciary to function without undue executive interference and to uphold
rule of law at all times. It is timely and needful that exceptional and concerted efforts be
made to develop an inclusive, transparent and effective institutions of democratic
governance that guarantee the election of responsible leaderships through free and fair
elections. Government efforts in Nigeria today aimed at consolidation of democracy should
go beyond tracking down the opposition and witch-hunting. There must be concerted
efforts at sustainable prudent management of Nigeria‘s national resources to ensure
democracy dividends for all and national development.
Keywords: Democracy, Rule of Law, National Development, Nigeria and Muhammadu Buhari

INTRODUCTION
It is suffice to say that in contemporary liberal democracy ‟as a major vehicle in
political systems democracy enjoys global attaining peaceful co-existence in a multi-
acceptance, making it the world‘s current faceted society, promotion of economic
new bride. The rationale for the above development, individual liberty, human
assertion is built against the backdrop of rights restoration, rule of law and
the fact that almost everyone - freedom of healthy competition in global
Politicians, Journalists, statesmen and socio-political activities, necessitated the
even the ordinary man and women on the quest for democratic consolidation
streets – call themselves democrats while especially in society like ours that have
those who wish to defend a regime no experienced dictatorship over the years‖
matter its nature call it democracy [1]. In There is need to note that democracy is
the light of the above, it will not be out of not a finished product but a dynamic
place to conclude that the world is in the process. As further argued by [3],
age of democracy. Consequently, [2] democratization process has three
averred that the global acceptance of phases: the fall of the authoritarian

15
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
regime (that is the dismantling of an This study therefore examines
existing military junta as was the case in democracy, rule of law and national
Nigeria), consolidation, and enduring development as values and principles of
democracy. The process in Nigeria has great relevance within the political
only so far witnessed the collapse of spectrum. Pursuant to the above, there
authoritarian military regimes while are certain correlates of democracy some
consolidating on that has become a of which still pose daunting challenges to
serious challenge. More so, the quest for democratic governance in Nigeria and yet
enduring democracy still remains a to be resolved particularly under the
mirage. present administration of President
With the first phase of democracy already Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2019.
in place in Nigeria, achieving democratic To this end, a number of concerns are
consolidation requires institutionalizing raised in the form of questions requiring
good governance principles by existing answers. What militated against the
democratic governments. These good consolidation of true democracy under
governance principles should be in this administration? Why was it difficult
tandem with the demands of upholding to consolidate on the gains of the
democratic values of popular democratization effort with regards to
participation, respect for the rule of law, respect for rule of law as avowed by the
free and fair elections and the Buhari administration? What is the
independence of the judiciary. Good intersection between democracy, rule of
governance, transparency and law and national development in Nigeria
accountability by public officials in the under the Buhari administration? These
conduct of public affairs reduces are some of the questions and issues of
corruption to the barest minimum while concern that this study seek to address.
at the same time engendering economic Statement of the Problem
growth and national development. Democracy in Nigeria is still fledgling and
The emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as struggling to survive. Under the present
president was due to a number of factors. administration of the APC headed by
The change mantra brought about by the President Muhammadu Buhari there is
success of the broom revolution was overwhelming public outcry regarding the
made possible by several factors ranging administration‘s disrespect to the rule of
from hitherto widespread disloyalty to law? The scenario no doubt has portrayed
the PDP by a section of its card carrying the country in negative light among the
members and stakeholders arising from comity of nations; a situation that no
imposition of candidates, poor leadership doubt has serious implications for
performance of government in the national development. Cognizant of the
country and systemic corruption. This above, this study queries the trajectory of
created high sense and levels of democracy, rule of law and national
disappointments, disillusionment and development in Nigeria with emphasis on
frustration for party members and the the Buhari administration (2015 to 2019).
electorates thereby paving the way for the The following questions therefore come
APC, a house that was built against the to kind; what militated against the
PDP dominance to thrive. Massively consolidation of true democracy under
rooted against the ills perpetrated by the this administration? Why was it difficult
PDP, the APC leveraged upon the to consolidate on the gains of the
dissatisfaction of the politicians and democratization effort with regards to
citizens on the performance of the PDP respect for rule of law as avowed by the
and its change campaign as well as Buhari administration? What is the
prowess of several disgruntled PDP big intersection between democracy, rule of
wigs and stalwarts to secure victory at the law and national development in Nigeria
polls. under the Buhari administration?

16
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
Objective of the Study 1. To determine the characteristics
The main objective of this study is to and principles of democracy;
appraise the trajectory of democracy, rule 2. To examine instances and extent of
of law and national development in disregard for rule of law under the
Nigeria with focus on the present Buhari administration;
democratic dispensation headed by 3. To interrogate the intersection
President Muhammadu Buhari (2015 - between democracy, rule of law
2019). To the extent of the above, the and national development in
following specifics shall be addressed; Nigeria under the Buhari
administration.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The paper adopted a qualitative approach are often binary in that they are
and the research design is exploratory. interested in the presence or absence of
The goal of exploratory design is to phenomena. This study relied ultimately
discover ideas and insights. In addition to on evidences drawn from secondary
the exploratory design, this study sources. Secondary data is made up of
employed qualitative method in its data documented and archival materials of
collection and analyses. Qualitative great relevance to the subject matter of
research emphasizes meanings (words) the study drawn both from extant
rather than frequencies and distributions literature, published works, gazette
(numbers) when collecting and analyzing reports and journals. Also textbooks by
data. Primarily, qualitative research seeks eminent scholars, newspapers, magazines
to understand and interpret the meaning and internet sources were also found
of situations or events from the useful and therefore formed part of the
perspectives of the people involved and secondary source of data for the study.
as understood by them (in this relying The work adopted the method of content
absolutely on documented evidence). It is analysis in extracting information from
generally inductive rather than deductive the above enumerated sources of data
in its approach, that is, it generates gathering techniques. Based on
theory from interpretation of the information gathered from the secondary
evidence, albeit against a theoretical literatures, thorough discussions are
background. Thus qualitative measures carried.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The study is anchored on the Structural- performance of the functions, the kinds
Functional approach. The approach of structures performing them and the
originated in sociology and anthropology. style of their performance. All political
However, political scientists such as structures, no matter how specialized,
Gabriel A. Almond, William C. Mitchell primitive or modern, are multi-functional.
and David Apter made it prominent in Political systems may be compared
Political Science. The most outstanding according to the degree of specificity of
contribution to structural-functional functions in the structure. Even highly
approach comes from Gabriel A. Almond specialized structure involves substantial
in 1950. Almond gives four common multi-functionality.
characteristics of all political systems on All political systems are mixed in the
the basis of which they may be compared cultural sense. There are no all modern
with one another. All political systems cultures and structures, in the sense of
including the simplest ones have political rationality, and no ―all- primitive‖ ones in
structure. The same functions are the sense of traditionalist. They differ in
performed in all political systems even the relative dominance of the one as
though these functions may be performed against the other, and in the pattern of
with different frequencies and different mixture of the two components [4].
kinds of structures. Comparisons may be Almond‘s suggestion of classification
made according to frequency of the scheme of structures of the political

17
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
system is based on: the degree of making and implementation. Almond
differentiation; the extent to which the distinguished three types of
system is ‗manifest‘ or ‗visible‘; the governmental output function. They are
stability of the functions of various roles; rule-making; rule application, and rule
and the distribution of power. adjudication which he says are the old
In applying structural-functional analysis functions of separation of powers.
Almond holds that political system can be The tools of analysis of the functionalists
compared and ranked in terms of the are conceptually and theoretically neat
manner in which the functions are and good, and of immense importance in
performed. Almond identifies two types analyzing actual realities on ground and
of functions of a political system. They also can be applicable to the study of
are: input functions; and output politically and economically poor
functions. countries with their unviable political and
The ‗inputs functions‘ are activities that economic situations. Thus whereas in
are associated with the formation and advanced liberal democracies structures
transmission of demands and supports. perform functions assigned to them in
Almond identifies the following four nascent democracies dysfunctional
input functions of a political system. structures abound. This accounts for
They are political socialization and prevalence of democratic failures as a
recruitment, interest articulation, interest result of lack of respect for rule of law
aggregation, and political communication. and slow pace of national development as
On the other hand, the output functions epitomized in Nigeria under the present
are the activities associated with policy- administration.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Democracy: Evolution and Meaning that any citizen was capable of holding
The concept of Democracy is traceable to public office [4].
the ancient Greeks and specifically the The problem with democracy has been its
city-state of Athens in the fifth century very popularity, a popularity that has
B.C. The word democracy is derived from threatened the term‘s undoing as a
the Greek words ‗demos‘, meaning people, meaningful political concept. In being
and ‗Kratos’ meaning power or rule. almost universally regarded as a ‗good
Literally translated, democracy therefore thing‘, democracy has come to be used as
means ‗rule by the people‘, although a little more than a ‗hurray! word‘,
originally the Greeks used it to mean the implying approval of a particular set of
poor or the masses. Periclean Athens, ideas or system or rule. In the words of
named after its most celebrated leader, Bernard [5], ‗democracy is perhaps the
has inspired generations of later political most promiscuous word in the world of
theorists, statesmen, and common people public affairs‘. A term that can mean
alike. Yet many aspects of Athenian anything to anyone is in danger of
democracy appear strange and unfamiliar meaning nothing at all.
to modern eyes. The central political Below are some of the meanings that have
institution in Athens during the sixth and been associated with the concept of
fifth centuries B.C. was the Assembly, democracy:
usually composed of 5,000 to 6,000 a) A system of rule by the poor and
members and open to all adult citizens disadvantaged;
with the exception of women, slaves and b) A form of government in which the
foreigners. By simple majority vote, the people rule themselves directly
Assembly could decide on virtually any and continuously, without the
domestic issue without any legal need for professional politicians or
restrictions. Most remarkable, perhaps, public officials;
was the fact that the leaders of the c) A society based on equal
Athenian Assembly were not elected, but opportunity and individual merit,
chosen by lot, as the Athenians believed rather than hierarchy or privilege;

18
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
d) A system of welfare and decentralize government to
redistribution aimed at narrowing regional and local levels,
social inequalities; understanding that all levels of
e) A system of decision-making based government must be as accessible
on the principle of majority rule; and responsive to the people as
f) A system of rule that protects the possible.
rights and interests of minorities d) Democracies understand that one
by placing checks upon the power of their prime functions is to
of the majority; protect such basic human rights as
g) A means of filling public offices freedom of speech and religion;
through a competitive struggle for the right to equal protection under
the popular vote; the law; and the opportunity to
h) A system of government that organize and participate fully in
serves the interests of the people the political, economic, and
regardless of their participation in cultural life of society.
political office [6]; [7]; [8], [9]. e) Democracies conduct regular free
A working definition for democracy in and fair elections open to all
this paper is ‗a form of government in citizens of voting age.
which power and civic responsibility are f) Citizens in a democracy have not
exercised by all adult citizens, directly or only rights, but also the
indirectly through their freely elected responsibility to participate in
representatives‘. The proposals on political systems that, in turn,
evolving an enduring and sustainable protect their rights and freedoms.
democracy in Nigeria are large and ever g) Democratic societies are
evolving [10]; [11]; [12], [13]; [14], [15]; committed to the values of
[16]. There is no denying the fact that the tolerance, cooperation, and
Nigerian state is fragile, weak and/or soft compromise.
with overdeveloped and dysfunctional Democracy is simply a system of
structures. government in which the principal
Main Characteristics and Features of positions of political power are filled
Democracy through regular, free, and fair elections.
Democracy is more than just a set of Governance on the other hand is the
specific government institutions; it rests exercise of power in the management of a
upon a well understood group of values, country‗s resources. It is the manner in
attitudes, and practices – all of which may which power is exercised in the
take different forms and expressions management of a country‗s economic and
among different cultures and societies social development [18]; [19]; [20].
around the world. Governance draws attention to the public
Below are some core democratic space or realm and its management.
characteristics: Democracy is always more difficult to
a) Democracy is government in which define precisely because it means
power and civic responsibility are different things to different people.
exercised by all adult citizens Although the notion of democratic
directly or indirectly through their governance evokes a clear and
freely elected representatives. unambiguous meaning, in analytic terms,
b) Democracy rests upon the governance and democracy are distinct
principle of majority rule, which terms. However, it widely accepted that
means that decisions are made by democratic governance which is largely
majority and have to be accepted characterized by high valued principles
by all, but minority viewpoints are such as, Rule of Law, accountability,
respected and protected. participation, transparency, and human
c) Democracies guard against all- and civil rights is in tandem with good
powerful central governments and governance. It is generally believed that

19
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
democratic governance is a fundamental governance in Africa. She argues: African
factor to effectively advance human technocratic elites have been evasive of a
development. The last quarter of the democratic substance (economic
twentieth century witnessed the greatest development, social security etc) in
expansion of democracy in the history of favour of a democratic form that
the world. About three of every five emphasizes mainly party formation,
independent states in the world are elections and constitutional engineering
democracies today. [23].
In its reach around the globe, The same point was earlier amplified by
democratization has been sweeping but [24] that a government may practice the
far from universal. There remain techniques of election… without being
significant regional disparities in the democratic and may refrain from holding
extent, depth, and stability of global frequent and systematic elections without
democratization. The United States and departing from the respect which it owes
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, its conscience and the rights of citizens.
together with the 24 states of Western He further asserts that democracy implies
Europe (some quite small), are all stable, the presence of ethics or a certain public
liberal democracies [21]. In the 48 states spirit which in particular involves respect
of Sub-Saharan Africa, democracies, or at for human right of minorities, fair play,
least popular aspirations for and descent method, tolerance, observing the
appreciation of the democratic form of rules of the game, a sense of humour and
government, are more prevalent than at unselfishness.
any time since decolonization. However, It presupposes individual‘s right to
many African regimes that are labeled as economic decision to own the means of
democracies are hollow and ambiguous, production and participate fully in
and many others stake a claim to economic activities. It means the right to
democratic status that is manifestly false. have access to food, shelter, education,
Only two African states have been health care etc. In essence, it seeks to
continuously democratic since ensure the welfare and wellbeing of all
independence, Mauritius and Botswana. and sundry. [25] summarizes it thus: in
Both have small populations (around two its fullest sense, democracy is
million or under), and both have achieved meaningless without economic, political
a pace of economic development that has and social rights. It means nothing to
eluded most other countries in the region. people who cannot eat properly, have a
The most important liberal democracy in roof over their heads, find a job, send
Africa is South Africa, which has so far their children to school and have access
sustained high levels of freedom despite to primary health care (PHC).
political turbulence, economic hardship, Rule of Law under Muhammadu Buhari
and dominance by a single party. By Administration
contrast, Africa‗s other big states are all The rule of law implies that no one is
struggling politically. above the law and requires that all
Many African electorates have lost citizens observe the law and are held
confidence in the process and have accountable if they break it. The due
consequently become apathetic to the process of law requires that the law be
system, a situation that further promotes equally, fairly and consistently enforced.
the preponderances and ambivalences of The rule of law ensures law and order and
political actors [22]. This has continued to the protection of citizens as they enjoy
have unsalutory effects on democratic their rights. It appears evident that
practice in Africa. Pogoson further plays democratic governance under
down the need to over-emphasize the Muhammadu Buhari administration is
issue of elections in democracy over and largely affected by the personality of the
above other conditionality while reacting ruler who reached the pinnacle of his
to the emerging trends of democratic military career as a General. The military

20
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
institution being what it is; is highly suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria,
characterized by command, hierarchical Justice Walter Onnoghen and the
structure in which rule or government is immediate appointment and swearing in
personified by the supremacy or of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, as
seemingly lawlessness of the commander- the new acting Chief Justice of Nigeria
in-chief and executive head. These same (CJN). This action of President
qualities Muhammadu Buhari has Muhammadu Buhari, not only breaches
demonstrated under a civil government the Nigerian Constitution, but has also
such that analysts and political writers managed to undermine Presidential
euphemistically choose to refer to his democracy by assaulting one of its
administration as a regime and address hallowed doctrines of separation of
him as General Muhammadu Buhari rather powers. For the records, Justice Walter
than President Muhammadu Buhari. This Onnoghen was the head of one of the
replicates the style of leadership referred Tripartite but mutually independent
to by some authors as; ‗garrison‘ organs that form the government of the
democracy‘ [26], ‗authoritarian Federal Republic of Nigeria. To attempt to
democracy‘ [27] or ―civilian dictatorship‖. muscle out the Chief Justice of Nigeria
Since the inception of present using phony charges at a time when His
administration in 2015, there have been Lordship was primed to play a central role
many constitutional messes and abuses in the fast approaching nationwide
that are seemingly reminiscent of the electoral process represented the boldest
Abacha military junta. The polity has steps in the march to undermine
witnessed several incidences of executive democracy and the rule of law by
recklessness and lawlessness, arbitrary Muhammadu Buhari.
use of power by the political leaders The Illegal Purchase of the Tucano
without recourse to constitutional dictate Aircrafts
and provisions. The first in these series President Buhari sometime in April 2018
which further fuelled sectional agitation approved the purchase of Tucano
was the method adopted by the Buhari Aircrafts for the Nigerian Military at the
administration in its major political sum of $496 million (Four Hundred and
appointments, defying federal character Ninety-Six Million United States Dollars).
principles. In another dimension, the This, he did, without seeking prior
judiciary under the Buhari administration approval of the National Assembly
has been emasculated, conquered and contrary to Section 80 (3) and (4) of the
colonized so to say; carpeted and 1999 Constitution (as amended) which
disregarded with impunity by the all- states very clearly, how the President can
powerful executive who saw itself as spend monies belonging to the
superior to other organs of government. Federation. It provides:
While the constitution is an essential ―(3) No money shall be withdrawn from
impetus for democratic governance, the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any
conforming to its dictates was a major other public fund of the Federation,
challenge in the period under review. except in the manner prescribed by the
Several judicial pronouncements were National Assembly.‖
disregarded, court orders flouted with ―(4) No monies shall be withdrawn from
contempt while selective justice pervaded the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any
the entire polity. The following cases other public fund of the Federation,
summed up the place of the rule of law except in the manner prescribed by the
under the Buhari civilian administration. National Assembly‖
The Suspension and later Removal of Disregard for Orders of Courts
CJN Walter Onnoghen The Muhammadu Buhari administration
On Friday, January 25, 2019, our nation has serially violated court orders, going
woke up to the shocking news of the against the rule of law especially in the
unilateral and extra-constitutional following known cases.

21
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
Col. Sambo Dasuki (Former National Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, Leader of a Shiite
Security Adviser) Group, IMN
Various courts have granted Col. Dasuki · Sheikh El-Zakzaky has been in
bail on at least six different occasions; detention without trial for about 4years
the Buhari led government has after his followers were massacred in
persistently refused to comply with broad daylight; his wife and family killed
the court orders. and his home burnt, in a gory and
· Federal High Court in Abuja shameful show of brute force by the
presided by Justice Adeniyi Ademola in Nigerian Army. This particular state
2015 ordered the release of Col. Dasuki‘s violence is nothing short of genocide.
passport and granted him permission to · On December 2, 2016 the Abuja
travel abroad for three weeks on medical Division of the Federal High Court
grounds. Despite the order made Presided by Justice Kolawole ordered the
on November 3, the Department of State release of Sheikh El-Zakzaky and berated
Security Services, DSS refused to release the Nigerian government for violating his
Col. Dasuki. rights. The government of Muhammadu
· Again, the former NSA and four Buhari has paid deaf ears to all orders of
others were granted bail on December 18, court relating to this matter.
2015 on a similar condition with a N250 More so, the case of Omoleye Sowore the
million bond by Justice Hussein-Baba convener of the Revolution Now
Yusuf. Movement still remains fresh in the minds
· Similarly, the former NSA; a former of Nigerians. This case clearly depicted
Minister of State for Finance, Bashir the illegality and impunity of the Buhari
Yuguda; former Sokoto Governor, Attahiru administration epitomized in the invasion
Bafarawa; ‎and three others were granted of court by officials of the DSS. Not until
bail by Justice Peter Affen on December the international community intervened
21, 2015 by the Federal Capital Territory did the President deem it fit to order the
High Court in the sum of N250 million release of these illegally detained
each and two sureties in like sum. The Nigerians.
Federal Government cherry-picked the The Approval of $1 Billion for Military
court order whilst disobeying the part Expenditure before Approaching the
that concerned the former NSA. National Assembly
· The ECOWAS Court presided by The Nigerian government through the
Honorable Justice F.C. Nwoke on October National Economic Council NEC, again in
4 2016 granted the former NSA bail and contravention of Section 80 (3) and (4) of
ordered the Nigerian Government to pay the 1999 Constitution (as
N15 Million to the defendant as damages amended), granted approval for the
for his ―illegal and arbitrary detention‖. release of $1 billion from the Excess
· On 17 January 2018, a Federal High Crude Account, ECA, for the procurement
Court sitting in Abuja reaffirmed previous of military hardware and other equipment
court orders granting Col. Sambo Dasuki to fight insecurity in the country, ahead
bail. of the 2019 General Elections without
· Also on April 6, 2018 the Abuja recourse to the National Assembly.
Division of the Federal Mansur Dan-Ali, Nigeria‘s Defense
High Court affirmed, for the umpteenth Minister disclosed this at the end of
time, its decision for the release of Col. security chiefs meeting with President
Dasuki. This action of the Buhari Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential
administration has been criticized by Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.
many Nigerians and the international By this act, the Federal Government acted
community as rather vindictive and contrary to the provisions of the Section
amounts to gross abuse of rule of law. 80 (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution,
which states:

22
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
―(3) No monies shall be withdrawn from themselves. No such luck with the Buhari
any public fund of the Federation, other government. Buhari is, by any reasonable
than the Consolidated Revenue Fund of standard, personally responsible for the
the Federation, unless the issue of those killings of unarmed civilians going
moneys has been authorized by an Act of unpunished under his watch.
the National Assembly. The fact that Buhari still retains
Executive Order No. 006 (On significant support among Nigerians
Preservation of Suspicious Assets and despite his anti-democratic behavior
Related Schedules): requires explanation. One major reason is
The enactment of the controversial that Nigeria‘s top political actors are all
Executive Order No. 006 as an Executive so morally compromised that an appeal
legislation which permits security by any of them to higher principles can
agencies to freeze the assets of persons always be persuasively dismissed by their
standing trial or undergoing investigation opponents as hypocritical nonsense.
without recourse to court orders. This is a Nigerian politics and governance suffers
usurpation of legislative and judicial from a moral vacancy, an acute shortage
powers of the National Assembly and the of credible political actors who could
judiciary as enshrined respectively under plausibly champion democratic values
sections 4 and 6 of the Constitution of the and set standards that others feel
Federal Republic of Nigeria and compelled to live up to. Ignoble actors
reminiscent of the military era of decrees. evoking noble values they rarely uphold
Appraisal of Buhari Administration with do not make for effective democratic role
Respect to Rule of Law models. Hence many Buhari supporters
Half of Nigeria‘s 59-year of independence remain unmoved by opposition claims
was spent under various military that he is a danger to Nigeria‘s
dictatorships, but the year 2019 marked democracy. To them, his rivals are hardly
the 20th anniversary of the return to better democrats and are better described
democratic rule. While the country has as wailers and haters. Moreover, many
seen its fair share of ups and downs Nigerians still see Buhari as, if not
during this period in the spheres of incorruptible, definitely far less corrupt
freedom of expression, judicial than his rivals.
independence, rule of law and general It also needs to be said that some
civil liberties—when compared with the Nigerian voters support Buhari precisely
military regimes. Between 2015 and 2019, because of his strong-arm tactics. In a
however, Buhari‘s government serially society where the corrupt always seem to
ignored court orders, harassed and have the upper hand and always seem
arrested journalists and activists, able to defy institutional attempts to
deployed security services to intimidate bring them to book, it is understandable
political opponents, judicial officers and that the instinct for some basic societal
unforgivably sanctioned the killings of justice can easily translate into
hundreds of unarmed civilians (via impatience with institutions that appear
python dance) on multiple occasions with stacked with people unable or unwilling
the impunity of a power-drunk to deliver basic justice. This creates the
dictatorship. Yes, security services have opportunity for populist authoritarianism
been known to overreact even in to hold significant appeal. Buhari‘s
advanced democracies, and civilians justification of his suspension of the chief
sometimes get hurt in the process. But judge appealed directly to this societal
what distinguishes governments hunger for justice. Pointing to
committed to upholding fundamental Onnoghen‘s attempts to frustrate
human rights such as the right to not be investigations into his false asset
killed while demonstrating peacefully are declaration, he argued: ―If justice cannot
the post-incident actions they undertake be done and clearly seen to be done,
to ensure such tragedies never repeat society itself is at risk of the most

23
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
unimaginable chaos.‖ Nigeria‘s political founding fathers of the 1999 Nigerian
reality is stubbornly defiant of any simple Constitution, in their clairvoyance,
good versus evil narrative. mandated the government in Section 16
Interrogating the Intersection between (1) to:
Democracy, Rule of Law and National a. Harness the resources of the nation and
Development promote national prosperity and an
It amounts to overstating the obvious efficient, a dynamic and self-reliant
asking whether there is correlation economy; and
between democracy, rule of law and b. Control the national economy in such
national development. The question is to manner as to secure the maximum
what extent has elected officials welfare, freedom and happiness of every
galvanized the potentialities of citizen on the basis of social justice and
democracy and rule of law towards the equality of status and opportunity.
attainment of national development. To However, there is a discernible wide
this extent, it is germane to assert that expectation gap in the way government
the development crisis in Nigeria and has managed our nation‘s resources over
Africa in general has been described as a time, the intensive, extensive and
crisis of governance [9]. It also follows sustainable propaganda of democratic
that while the reasons for South Asia‗s dividends not withstanding. Nigerians
colossal human development are rooted want to see the dividends of democracy,
in poor governance, the period of robust for all and sundry, through improved
and rapid economic development in East living conditions commensurate to the
Asia (Asian Tigers) is attributed to good volume, value and varieties of our
governance. Governance has been defined national resources. This is the citizens‘
as the manner in which power is exercised constitutional right. Everything about
in the management of a country‗s Nigeria‘s development has been left for
economic and social development [12]; too long in the ‗pipeline‘. Effectual results
[13]; [14]. from prudent management of the nation‘s
Democratic governance is a fundamental resources are expected from our
factor to effectively advance human and governments to justify their mandates. [8]
national development and it is rightly believe that no one would want a
unimaginable to talk about democracy person in a managerial position who
without rule of law. It is obvious that appeared to do everything right as a
there is no clear cut direction that manager (leader), but who could not turn
democracy promotes or negates growth, in a good record for whatever the area of
but this is not sacrosanct. Indeed, the responsibility they held. This essentially
body of evidence seems tilted towards a relates effectiveness to results obtained
negative relationship. In view of this and or impact made to the extent the
the fact that most of these evidences are management of the nation‘s resources
not based on Nigerian data, it is positively affect the citizens‘ lives.
imperative to examine the Nigerian Rhetoric, no matter how sound and loud,
experience with respect to how would not amount to effectiveness of the
democracy has related to economic nation‘s resources management.
performance over the years. The prudent use of the enormous
Democratic Governments should be resources accruing to the nation can turn
‗stewards‘ of their national resources, this country into a buoyant economic
maintaining and improving them for the haven in the shortest possible time.
benefit of their populations. Stewardship However, only responsible leadership can
encompasses the task of defining the be trusted with prudent use of resources.
vision and direction of the citizens‘ These are servant leaders who put the
welfare, exerting influence through interest of the led uppermost in their
regulation and advocacy, and collecting order of priority and leave footprints in
and using information [21]. Thus, the the sands of time, and in the hearts of

24
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
their followers through acts of self-denial. watchdog groups for more transparency,
The servant leader does not consider his accountability, and pluralism in Nigeria's
―personal‖ interest above the group fiscal, electoral, conflict management,
interest. The servant leader always plays political, and human rights affairs. It is
by the rules, when they are formulated pertinent, therefore, that the National
and agreed. He does not consider himself Assembly allows the Freedom of
above the law. To the servant leader, the Information Bill to see the light of the day
interest of his group is paramount. The in its original design. Given the
servant leader does not ―force‖ himself on demonstration of the lack of political will-
the group, or attain leadership through power to effect a change by the ruling
untoward methods and strategies [9]. class, the civil society, and specifically
Those in governance have for too long the organised working class, must
regarded and treated the nation‘s continue to press for it.
resources as ‗national cake‘ which is often Ensuring the prudent management of the
shared among a privileged few. This goes nation‘s resources is a duty, the
on because the machinery to compel accomplishment of which is the
accountability has been weakened by the responsibility of all Nigerians. This is, no
same leadership [17]. Nigerians must doubt, a Herculean task which invariably
make exceptional concerted efforts to entails re-ordering of priorities,
develop inclusive, transparent, and rechanneling of ideals, and revitalizing
effective institutions of democratic the governance machinery towards
governance. This entails rebuilding basic breeding a sound, habitable, and tolerable
mechanisms of democratic governance to society for every one to proudly live in.
make elected officials accountable to their This is critical because Nigeria as a nation
constituents through free and fair will be unable to achieve its mandate and
elections, strong government institutions, arrive at its destiny if greed and avarice
and well-organized, informed citizens continue to deprive it of authentic vision
who demand performance. and imagination. In the light of the
Conscious efforts must be made to ―Nigerian Factor‖ syndrome, there is an
improve the rule of law in Nigeria by urgent need for a Nigerian renaissance to
strengthening the capacity and effect robust fiscal responsibility,
transparency of law enforcement agencies pragmatic public accountability, and good
and the judiciary. The civil society has to public governance.
be strengthened by promoting existing
RECOMMENDATIONS
Compelled by the issues unraveled in institutions of democratic
literature, the following recommendations governance that guarantee the
are considered apt for policy; election of responsible leaderships
a) There is urgent need for conscious through free and fair elections
efforts to improve the rule of law c) Government efforts in Nigeria
by strengthening the capacity and today aimed at consolidation of
transparency of law enforcement democracy should go beyond
agencies and the judiciary to tracking down the opposition and
function without undue executive witch-hunting. These must be
interference and to uphold rule of concerted efforts at sustainable
law at all times. prudent management of Nigeria‘s
b) It is timely and needful that national resources to ensure
exceptional and concerted efforts democracy dividends for all and
be made to develop an inclusive, national development.
transparent and effective
CONCLUSION
From the issues addressed it is germane an enduring and sustainable democracy in
to deduce that the proposals on evolving Nigeria are large and ever evolving.

25
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
Whereas there is no denying the fact that elections, the right to nonviolent protest,
the Nigerian state is fragile, weak and/or and a free press become sacred non
soft with overdeveloped and negotiable in Nigerian public life,. These
dysfunctional structures, yet the quest for are the dogmas of democracy, and only
democratic consolidation remains a those who uphold them are truly worthy
currency. In a society as ethnically and of calling themselves democrats.
religiously divided as Nigeria‘s, However, there is a discernible wide
democracy is as fragile as an egg; if not expectation gap in the way government
handled carefully, it could drop and has managed our nation‘s resources over
shatter into a thousand pieces impossible time, the intensive, extensive and
to glue back together. That‘s why it‘s sustainable propaganda of democratic
critical for the country‘s judiciary to get dividends not withstanding. Nigerians
reformed and strengthened by rooting out want to see the dividends of democracy,
corruption within its ranks rather than for all and sundry, through improved
suffering diminishment by Buhari. In living conditions commensurate to the
practical terms, this would require volume, value and varieties of our
corrupt judges to be weeded out by their national resources. This is the citizens‘
peers, rather than by the politicians they constitutional right. Everything about
are meant to hold accountable. Nigeria‘s development has been left for
The next few years must be spent too long in the ‗pipeline‘. Effectual results
ensuring that cornerstone values—such as from prudent management of the nation‘s
rule of law, equality before the law, resources are expected from our
accountable government, free and fair governments to justify their mandates.
REFERENCES
1. Adebanwi, W and Obadare, E 2009. Sokoto: Department of
(2011). The Abrogation of the Political Science, Usman Danfodiyo
Electorate: An Emergent African University.
Phenomenon. Democratization Vol. 6. Bako, S. (2007). Institutional
18, No 2 Development as a Challenge to
2. Adefulu, R.A (2001) Federal Democratic Sustenance in Nigeria.
Structure and the Politics of International Studies. 44; 217.
Restructuring the Nigerian State in 7. Bernard Crick (1993). The Political
Adefulu, R.A and Olaitan, W.A (eds) Transition and the Future of
Issues in Nigerian Government and Democracy in Africa. Political
Politics. Ijebu- Ode: Rad Science Review Vol.1 No.1
Consultancy. 8. Chiamogu, A. P. and Chiamogu,
3. Adefulu, R.A (2001) The Context of U.P. (2015). Disturbance Theory
Politics and Governance in Post and Opposition Politics in Nigeria:
Colonial Nigeria in Adefulu, R.A An Appraisal of All Progressives
and Olaitan, W.A (eds) Issues in Congress (APC) Performance in the
Nigerian Government and Politics. 2015 General Elections. Being a
Ijebu-Ode: RAD Consultancy. paper presented at the 3rd Annual
4. Almond, G.A. (1960). ―A Functional Conference of the Nigerian
Approach to Comparative Polities‖ Political Science Association South
in G. Almond and J.S. Coleman East Chapter holding 8-11
(eds); The Politics of Developing November, 2015 at the Staff
Areas, Princeton. Development Centre, Kpirikpiri
5. Ashiru, Dele. (2009) The Judiciary Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
and the Democratization process 9. Diamond, Larry (1994) Rethinking
in Nigeria in Ogundiya, S.I, Civil Society: Towards Democratic
Olutayo, O.A. and Amzat Jimoh Consolidation. Journal of
(eds). A Decade of Re- Democracy. Vol.8
Democratization in Nigeria 1999-

26
www.idosr.org Eneasato and Okibe
10. Dudley, Billy. J (1973) Instability the Representation of Social
and Political Order: Politics and Groups, American Behavioural
Crisis In Nigeria. Ibadan: Ibadan Scientist 35 (42), 23-44.
University Press. 19. Oni, Ebenezer Oluwole (2014).
11. Dudley, Billy. J (1982) An ―Democracy and the Challenges of
Introduction to Nigerian Consolidation in Nigeria‘s Fourth
Government and Politics. London Republic‖. Ibadan Journal of the
and Basingstoke: Macmillan Social Sciences, Volume 12,
Publishers Ltd. Number 2.
12. Gunther, R.P.N, Diamandurous, 20. Pogoson, A.I (2010). Rethinking
P.N. and H.J. Puhle (eds.). (1995). Governance in Africa: Measuring
The Politics of Democratic Performance-The Ibrahim Index on
Consolidation: Southern Europe in African Governance. Paper
Comparative Perspective. Presented at a Departmental
Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins Seminar, Department Of Political
University Press. Science, University of Ibadan,
13. Hermet Guy (1991). Introduction: Nigeria. 10th February.
The Age of Democracy. 21. Richard, A. Joseph (1991).
International Social Science Democracy And Prebendal Politics
Journal. No.128 In Nigeria: The Rise and fall of the
14. Huntington, Samuel (1991). ―The Second Republic. Cambridge
Third Wave: Democratisation in the University press
Late Twenties Century‖. Norman: 22. Sani, S. (2008). Civilian Dictators of
University of Oklahoma Press Africa. Lagos: Prestige Publishers.
15. Momoh, A (2007). Provisional 23. Schedler Andreas (1998). What is
Notes on Authoritarian Democracy Democratic Consolidation. Journal
in Nigeria. Paper Presented at the of Democracy. Vol.9, No.2
International Conference titled: 24. United Nations Development
Nigeria‘s Democratic Development, Programme (1997).
1999-2007: Trends, Problems, Reconceptualizing Governance.
Challenges and Prospects. Kano: Discussion Paper, Jan.2
Centre for Democratic Research 25. World Bank (1992). Good
and Training. February 13-14. Governance Principles. New York:
16. Moulin Leo (1953). Local Self- World Bank Publication.
Government as a Basis for 26. Yagboyaju, D.A. (2009). Issues in
Democracy. Journal of Public Public Policy in Nigeria: college
Administration. Vol.XXXIX press and publishers limited;
17. Olaitan, W.A (1997). The State as Ibadan.
Roadblock to Democracy: ―June 27. Yagboyaju, D.A. (2010). The State
12‖ and the Democratization and Governance Crisis in Nigeria: A
Experience in Nigeria. Nigerian Comparative Approach. Ibadan:
Journal of Social and Management College Press and Publishers
Sciences. Vol.1, No.1. Limited.
18. Olowu, B. (2002). The
Consolidation of Democracy and

27