Retired Justice Olufunlola Adekeye of the Supreme Court says rule of law is the bedrock of every democratic society.
Adekeye made this known in Abuja at a-two-day forum organised by the National Human Rights (NHRC) for the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on civil liberties and rule of law.
“It is a concept that suggests that no one is above the law and that government decisions must be made only by applying known legal and moral principles.
“The doctrine of the Rule of Law limits the powers of government and helps to prevent dictatorship as well as to protect the rights of the people.
“The rule of law simply means that law rules or reigns” she said.
According to Adekeye, the rule of law being a constitutional concept remains the cornerstone of governance in any given polity.
She said it means that everything must be done according to the law.
Adekeye said the government and the governed must always justify their actions in law.
“According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Civil and political rights have been defined as a class of rights that protect individuals’ freedom from infringement by governments, social organizations, and private individuals.
“They ensure one’s entitlement to participate in the civil and political life of society and the state without discrimination or repression.
“In 1993, Nigeria ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by which the country agreed that, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“The idea of human beings enjoying civil and political freedom and freedom from fear and want can only be achieved if conditions are created whereby, everyone may enjoy his civil and political rights, as well as his economic, social and cultural rights” she said.
Some of the rights contained in the international instrument according to her include that all people have the right of self-determination and may not be deprived of their own means of subsistence.
She said the right to freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the right to fair trial right
She further said right to freedom of thought, religion and expression, privacy, home and family life, equality and non-discrimination.
She said although human rights globally, have experienced challenges, the Nigerian narrative leaves more to be desired.
She maintained that human rights cannot be over-emphasised.
“The courts have a plethora of cases ruled on the sanctity of human rights.
“Not only is this right very important, it encapsulates the entirety.
“One of the major issues that the world, in general, is faced with is harassment and infringement of these rights,” she said.
According to her, the questions that beg for answers are: why do the security forces use excessive force most times on citizens?
She continued, Is there a miscommunication on the responsibility of the security forces? Are Nigerians too stubborn and all they do is cause trouble?
“Is the problem the law framing or the interpretation? Are there things the international community is to do? Is Nigeria acting like a truly democratic state?
“These questions I believe set the tone for our discussion today and our deliberations I strongly believe in Nigeria.
“I believe solutions to the above questions will foster national unity, growth and development” she said.
The forum was organised towards the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.
UDHR is celebrated every December 10 annually, this year‘s theme is ‘Dignity, Freedom and Justice for all.’
