Rule of law, governance, and sustainable development: the Nigerian perspective

Abstract

The chapter is predicated on the premise that strong adherence and commitment to the rule of law and good governance is essential for sustainable development. Using a holistic approach, the study established that Nigerian leaders have consistently disregarded the principles of rule of law and good governance, violating the ideal democratic values and institutions which undermine the country’s sustainable development. Over long years of military rule, governance has been badly and negatively impacted because observance of rule of law and democratic tenets are not in consonance with military ethics and rule. Civilian regimes have not fared better. The process leading to non-sustainable develop ment and underdevelopment are mostly accompanied by the subversion of due process, the manipulation of existing laws and regulations to suit parochial interests. The chapter concluded that for sustainable development to take effect, there is need for re-orientation of political leaders towards adherence to the principle of rule of law and good governance as the foundation for sustainable development in Nigeria.