The Theory And Practice Of Democracy In Ebonyi State: A Case Study Of The Rule Of Law, 1999-2010.

ABSTRACT

Succinctly, the theory an practice of the rule of law is a concept which

replete with other phenomena. This research study is established to

evaluate the type of politics going on in Ebonyi state, also to verify whether

the constitutional provision reigns supreme in Ebonyi State during the

democratic regime. The rule of law and its correlative preservation for

human right had been customary to the people from the primordial and

time immemorial, prior to Igbo Ethnic origin vis-à-vis Ebonyi indigenes.

This foresters the people’s representation by consent, which ensures

liberty, freedom, equality, equity, respect, rights and well-being of the

citizens. The method used for data collection to actualize this research

study is basically self-reporting techniques, primary and secondary sources

such as textbooks, journals, magazine newspapers, internet materials,

lecturer notes and other relevant documents which deal with democracy

and the rule of law. These data were analyzed to arrive at the intended

result. The question is what could be the contributing factors this state of

affairs? To establish answer for this question, chapter one to examines

background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the

study, significant of the study, literature review, theoretical framework,

hypothesis and research methodology. Chapter two establishes historical

evolution of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria while chapter in its

own contribution records the realities of Ebonyi State, to chapter four, the

rule of law in Ebonyi State. Chapter five articulates summary, conclusion

and recommendations. Through these analyses it has been verified that

constitutional provision and the rule of law has not been strictly adhered to

in Ebonyi state, although, Ebonyi State government had upheld some

minimum levels of justice, equity, rights and well-being of the citizens in

their dealings. With empirical evidences, Dr. Egwu’s regime is more

democratic than that of Chief Elechi, yet both used PDP palliative to

suppress others parties and consolidate their authority and governance. I

suggest that Democracy in Ebony state should be prenticed with all the

tenets and the rule of law reigns supreme in all ramifications. However,

competent leaders should be duly elected. Ebonyi State government should

as matter of urgency lift ban for employment. Let theme be liberty,

freedom, rights and well-being of the citizens. The resources of the nation

should be evenly and equitably distributed.