ABSTRACT

The rule of law was conceived as something that should map out the way and means of peaceful coexistence, progress and development of the society under a uniform rule-guided system. All sectors composed in the society are to be governed and subjected to the law. It encapsulates such ideals as government according to the law, equality before the law and the independence, and autonomy of the judiciary among others.  It is the pillar of constitutional democracy. It serves as a blueprint for designing an ideal legal system. There is almost the absence of the rule of law in military rule. It is, therefore, the quest of this article to reflect on the origin, meaning, and development of the rule of law. In the end, the article reveals that there is a failure to understand and appreciate the whole gamut of rule of law in most countries across the globe. The trend shows that in the Nigerian context the concept is by and large judiciously applied but politically, it is used mischievously for ulterior motives. Finally, the article suggests that time has come to add a few other requirements for the rule of law in order