An Examination of the Concept of Law and Justice in Nigeria

In a civilized society, law and justice play an important role in shaping the society towards achieving the standard goals. The standard as set out by the society be it civilized or un- civilized for the attainment of certain goals in line with the law and justice of a particular State must correspond to the norms, values and behaviors of a given society. Refusing to abide by what the law says, justice in any given case will not be attainable. This paper seeks to examine the concept of law and justice in Nigeria. This paper focuses on the relationship between law and justice with practical situation under the Nigerian context. This paper adopts doctrinal legal research by analyzing primary and secondary sources of legal materials. The paper found as follows: Under Military regime, the highest law of the land is the Military Decree which does not accord a citizen right to express himself unlike, in the Democratic state. Doctrine of separation of power is not adhered to under Military, Section 4(8) of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria subjected the legislative powers to the jurisdiction of the courts thereby creating vacuum in the dispensation of Justice. This paper recommends that: Nigerians should follow the dictate of the democratic system of government. Separation of power should maintain particularly; the Legislature shall not be subjected to the legislative arms of government unless with cogent and compelling reasons. Nigerian should enact laws to achieve justice for Nigerians, rigorous provisions should be amended.