Relationship Between Federal, State And Local Government JSS2 Civic Education Lesson Note

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

In Nigeria, there are three tiers of government. These are: 

The federal government,  the state government, and the local government. 

The Federal Government

The federal government is the central authority that represents the entire nation in external affairs and internal affairs of common interest. 

State Government 

The head of the state is the governor. The state governor oversees the state councils of chiefs, the state civil service commission, the local government services commission, and so on.

Local Government

This is the third tier of government in Nigeria. It is headed by the Local Government Chairman. It also has its own legislative body which makes bye-laws for her.  

 THE RULE OF LAW

Law is the set of rules and regulations by which a society is governed to maintain peace and orderliness. The rule of law means the supremacy of law over the citizens in a country. The equality of every citizen before the law and the presence of individual rights.

A.V. Dicey propounded the doctrine that leaders should abide by the rule of law and govern the people according to the provision of the constitution of the country.

PRINCIPLES / FEATURES OF RULE OF LAW

The rule of law has the following principle as explained by Prof. A.V. Dicey.

1. PRINCIPLE OF EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW: There are no citizens that are above the law. The law should apply to all with respect for the person and without respect for the person. Hence, all citizens should be equal before the law.
2. PRINCIPLE OF IMPARTIALITY: These include that suspects should not be detained for more than twenty – four hours. An offender should still be innocent until he is proven guilty by the process in the court. 
3. THE PRINCIPLES OF SUPREMACY: Nobody is above the law of supremacy over all.
4. PRINCIPLES OF FAIR HEARING: People arrested for an offense should be given a fair hearing through the formal legal process in the court before being condemned or sentenced to jail.
5. RIGHT OF APPEAL: When a lower court’s judgment on an individual is not satisfied, he should appeal to a higher court.
6. FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT: The right of the individual should be entrenched in the constitution enforced and guaranteed. 

BENEFITS OF THE RULE OF LAW OVER ARBITRARY RULE

1. It protects citizens against arbitrary rule: The rule of law ensures that citizens have access to seek redress in court when they feel cheated or their right is infringed upon. 
2. Guarantees the fundamental human rights: It makes every citizen enjoy the fundamental human rights as stated in the constitution.
3. Ensures process freedom: Journalists have freedom (though not without limits) to express views about government policies and how they affect the masses. This freedom leaves journalists unpunished for pointing out areas where the government is not performing.
4. Prevent unlawful detention: No person should be detained beyond 24 hours before trial in court. Individuals can see the government and its agents for unlawful arrest or detention. 
5. Allows for equality of all citizens: Under the rule of law, there is no sacred cow. The law applies to all and all citizens are equal before the law.
6. Give rooms for appeal: When a judgment given by a lower court is not satisfactory, the rule of law gives room for appeal to a higher court.