Onnoghen canvasses promotion of rule of law

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen yesterday canvassed the promotion of rule of law in the country.He said it was necessary to ensure “government of law and not a government of men.”

According to him, rule of law is an important aspect of the democratic process, which should at all times prevail for the peace, security and good governance of any nation.This, he said is because without the rule of law, there can be no democratic society.

The CJN spoke as a guest lecturer at the 2018 public lecture of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.The theme of the lecture was: “The rule of law as panacea for peace, security and good governance in a democracy.”He said the advancement of the rule of law should be perceived as crucial because it is a valuable instrument in democracy.

Onnoghen added that it promotes equality before the law, respect for human rights, accountability, transparency, reciprocity, and trust. He explained that they are the core values upon which good governance and democracy stand.Justice Onnoghen emphasised that rule of law is pivotal to the general well being, development and stability of every nation, including, Nigeria.

“It is the answer to our prevailing culture of impunity, which has held the nation hostage for a very long time now. Any alternative to the rule of law is nothing short of arbitrariness, lawlessness, insecurity and lack of order,” he declared.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), represented by Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, the Pro-chancellor, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), Vice chancellor, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof, Ayodele Atsenuwa attended the lecture.

Osinbajo said obeying the rule of law would promote freedom from civil disturbance or hostility. “Democracy is about the people and not for the people in office,” he said.Babalakin, who commended justice Onnoghen for honouring the invitation, said the entrenchment of rule of law would solve the problems of insecurity in the country.