NECO Civic Education 2024 Theory — Question 7

Model answer

(a) The rule of law means the principle of democracy that emphasizes supremacy of law, equality before the law, observance of human rights, and absence of arbitrariness in governance. (b) Conditions that can enhance adherence to the principle of rule of law in a democracy: i. The law must be respected by all citizens/entities/institutions/government. ii. Laws must be clearly stated; they should not mean different things to different people. iii. Laws must be adequately publicized/awareness created - every citizen must get to know about it; it should not be hidden. iv. Enforcement of adequate sanctions/punishment on violators of the law. v. All accused persons must be given the opportunity to defend themselves in court/prosecution (exercise of right of fair hearing). vi. There must be no retrospective or retroactive application of law. vii. Law enforcement agents must follow due process in investigation and prosecution. viii. Members of the public must be human-rights-conscious/vigilant. ix. Democratic government or governance must be free and independent of other organs of government. x. The judiciary must be free and independent of other organs of government. xi. Freedom of the press - the press should not be gagged in order to discharge their duty effectively. xii. Constitutionalism/practice of adherence to constitution in governance, right of appeal for violators, separation of powers, checks and balances of the organs of government, an efficient policing system, and existence of legal aid to support the vulnerable or poor in litigation. (Any six of the above are acceptable.)