REPORT: Nigeria ranks lowest in respect for the rule of law and justice among African countries
Nigeria has been ranked among Africa’s worst respecters of Rights, the rule of Law and justice in 2024.
This is according to the 2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance report released recently.
The report which covers 10 years, from 2014-2023, shows Nigeria to be the worst violator of human and civil rights, as well as showing a clear lack of justice and regard for the rule of law.
Other countries like Mauritius, Congo Republic, South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Benin, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Tunisia, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mali and Botswana were listed as African nations with the least regard for rule of law and justice.
The report looked at executive compliance with the rule of law, impartiality in the judicial system, judicial processes, equality before the law, law enforcement, property rights, and public perception of the rule of law, among other measures used in arriving at its rankings.
Rights such as media freedom, digital freedom, freedom of expression and belief, protection against discrimination and public perception of freedom of speech showed the listed countries lacking seriously.
Senegal, Tunisia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Guinea, Uganda, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Algeria, Eswatini, Djibouti, and Egypt are the listed countries found wanting as regards the rights of its citizens.
Nigeria has, previously, come under fire from Amnesty International and other rights groups over the gross violation of rights and subversion of justice under the government of President Bola Tinubu.
“Defence and security forces used excessive force, mainly to disperse protests.
“People were tortured during police interrogation.
“Authorities continued to carry out forced evictions. Authorities failed to put in place measures to mitigate the impact of climate change.
“All parties to the armed conflict committed violations of international law. Cases of enforced disappearances were documented,” Amnesty held.
Nigeria has also been ranked as a nation with the least regard for the rule of law by the World Justice Project.
Besides flouting court orders, government agencies have been accused of high-handedness and extrajudicial killings.
