Remawa posted on June 15, 2009 12:59
President Yar’Adua has been described as the number one adherent to the principle of the rule of law policy and has by this, set an example worthy of emulation by all Nigerians.
These were the views of commentators following the observation of an FCT High Court in the case between the Inspector General of Police and the Leadership Newspapers which noted that the President took the appropriate legal step by filing a direct complaint as required by law against the newspaper instead of resorting to the past practice of sending security agents after the publishers of the newspaper.
The complaint is the aftermath of the newspaper’s story early in the year alleging that the President was ill again and that medical doctors had been flown in from Saudi Arabia to attend to him.
The President’s action is seen as a manifestation of equality of all before the law, which is a component of the rule of law policy of government.
The commentators believe that by observing due process in handling this case, the President is sending the right signal to the citizenry and the international community.
When the President came up with the policy, shortly after taking the mantle of leadership, some sections of the public doubted his sincerity, believing there would be sacred cows and that it is a likely smokescreen to protect some people. However, it is believed that the administration is serious with the policy and with the recent observation of the FCT court affirming the good example of Mr. President’s adherence to this concept, the rule of law policy has come to stay.
The case, which was earlier billed for ruling on the matter of jurisdiction, was adjourned till 18th June 2009.