THE RULE OF LAW AND GOOD GOVERNANCE AS ELIXIR TO SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY

Abstract

The concepts, Rule of Law and Good Governance are necessary evil and indices of a sustainable democratic government. Without these ingredients, the society will be brutish, unsafe as life may not be guaranteed and full of caprice and oppression. It is the phenomenon for law and Order1 . For without the Rule of Law there would be no order, as anarchy, caprice and impunity will take the front seat. There would be rule by might and not by right, hence this article. Democracy has become a global phenomenon which everyone and every community, local or international needs, whether super powers or weak nations. Good governance includes the capacity of the government to design, formulate and implement good policies which are development oriented and committed to improvement of the quality of life of the people. Elimination of mal-governance through the processes of the rule of law is another aspect of good governance. Democracy is therefore dynamic and inevitable as the rule of law and good governance are Siamese twins that guarantee sustainable democracy, society would be guaranteed because the former is an index of good governance. A state that has good governance obeys the rule of law, ensures adequate security network. This paper therefore focuses on these principles, their characteristics, legal perceptions, gains and problems/effect comparative analysis with recommendations proffered.