Nigerian lawyers have called for the application of the rule of law in resolving civil disputes in Nigeria.
This call is coming at a time when law enforcement agents have resorted to arresting and detaining victims before they are investigated, thereby contravening the rule of law and undermining the legal profession.
Speaking during the 12th Annual Business Luncheon organised by SPA Ajibade & Co, Olasupo Shasore, partner, ALP Legal who was also the keynote speaker at the event said it is time law enforcement agents adhere to the rule of law in order to keep the society in good order.
Shasore said there is a strong connection between the adherence of rule of law and national productivity, adding that countries that don’t adhere to the rule of law are often ranked low in productivity.
He commended the business luncheon which is themed: The Forum for the Resolution of Civil Disputes: The Courts v Law Enforcement Agencies.
“The theme of the event is apt and it is about preservation of our society, due process and the rule of law,” he added.
He however noted that in the ideal society, this topic should not be considered because there is regard for the rule of law but it is the other way round in Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, Biobele Georgewill, Justice of the court of Appeal, Nigeria said there is a need for the law enforcement agents to go back to the drawing board and stop criminalising civil issues.
“In a civilised society, there should be investigation before arrest and detention is made, but in Nigeria the police arrest first before they carry out investigation. This undermines the rule of law.
“The rule of law is the master of all. Without the rule of law, there is no democracy. Civil issues are being transformed into criminal matters just to punish innocent people,” Georgewill lamented.
He stressed that obedience to the rule of law will lead to the development of the country.
Fatai Owoseni, former commissioner of police and Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security Matters during his presentation acknowledged the disregard of the rule of law by enforcement agencies.
He said that in the course of his service as a commissioner of police, he observed that the rule of law is adhered to differently depending on which side of the divide people find themselves.
“Justice is dispersed based on how much money you have. My loyalty is to the constitution of Nigeria. In retirement, I still fight that the rule of law be maintained,” Owoseni said.
He however insisted that there is a thin line between criminal law and civil law, adding that the capacity of the police needs to be strengthened because they are often the most accessible people citizens run to for justice.
“Our judicial system is slow. People run to the police because they are easily accessible. The judiciary needs to create an enforcement unit to address some of these issues,” he suggested.
IFEOMA OKEKE
