THE RULE OF LAW AS A BATTLEFIELD: GOVERNANCE AND CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA

The pursuit of good governance is a central concern in evaluating the performance of modern governments. The absence of proper governance standards often results in a characterization of poor governance. In Nigeria, despite the return of constitutional democracy in 1999, the prevailing consensus suggests that there are ongoing issues associated with poor governance. The complex interplay between governance, corruption, development, and the rule of law has remained a focal point in the Nigerian context. This has led to a substantial body of literature discussing these issues, with governance problems invariably giving rise to questions of leadership. The leadership question has become a recurring and contentious topic in Nigeria, as it is intrinsically linked to governance. The political elite has been subject to criticism, condemnation, and disapproval due to the enduring socio-economic and political challenges