While the rule of law founded on constitutionalism is central to the wave of democratisation that swept across the globe in the last decades of the 20th century, Africa remains trapped in internal frictions and conflicts. Democratisation of Africa exhibits rudimentary rule of law comprising mere electoralism and profusion of incivility. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, seems to be forfeiting an opportunity to be the largest democracy in the region due to growing institutionalisation of in…
Read moreWhile the rule of law founded on constitutionalism is central to the wave of democratisation that swept across the globe in the last decades of the 20th century, Africa remains trapped in internal frictions and conflicts. Democratisation of Africa exhibits rudimentary rule of law comprising mere electoralism and profusion of incivility. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, seems to be forfeiting an opportunity to be the largest democracy in the region due to growing institutionalisation of incivility and violence by state institutions charged with maintaining law and order. This article examines the nature and extent of violation of the principles and practice of the rule of law and democracy by the state institutions (police, army and security agencies). It analyses selected aspects of their images and public representation. It is argued that major political and social institutional reforms are urgently required to make Nigeria’s current situation to conform to the demands of democracy and the rule of law.