Kayode Ajulo, Ondo State commissioner for justice and attorney general, says the government’s disregard for the “rule of law” would continue to make citizens and foreign investors lose confidence in those at the helm of the country’s affairs.

Mr Ajulo specifically stated that the persistent failure of the government to uphold the rule of law continued to affect the nation’s image and economy, especially to the outside world.

“Disregarding the rule of law can erode investor confidence, promote corruption, weaken legal frameworks, and foster social unrest, all of which can hinder economic progress and tarnish the country’s reputation,” he said in an interview with Leadership Newspaper on Sunday.

“You know, investors typically seek legal protection for their investments and expect fair and transparent legal processes. If these expectations are not met, they may hesitate or even choose to invest in other countries with a more favourable legal framework,” the commissioner stated.

Mr Ajulo, a constitutional lawyer, said corruption, favouritism, and arbitrary decision-making can become prevalent when the government fails to uphold the rule of law.

He revealed that it was essential to acknowledge that the current government in power is an offshoot of constitutionalism, forming a foundation rooted in the principles of the rule of law.

The commissioner reiterated that disregard for the rule of law leads to conflicts, protests and a lack of trust in the government and, subsequently, hinders the country’s progress.

“It is important to note that these implications are general and can vary depending on the specific context and circumstances of a country. However, in general, a disregard for the Rule of Law can have far-reaching consequences for a country’s image and economy,” Mr Ajulo added.

He noted that the judiciary had always been blamed for the unconstitutional behaviour of those in power, stressing that the third arm of government had never deviated from being the last hope of the common man.

While observing that the judiciary as an independent institution has its peculiarities, Mr Ajulo said no arm of government should be insulated from the country’s current development challenges.

According to him, while it is true that the judiciary, like any other institution, faces challenges, it is also essential to approach issues with a balanced perspective, as 80 per cent of the country’s problems is internal.

“To address concerns about the judiciary, I would, with respect, recommend strengthening the rule of law, upholding integrity within the judiciary, improving judicial efficiency, promoting judicial education and training, and ensuring accountability and disciplinary measures.”

“Restoring public trust in the judiciary requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including the judiciary itself, legal professionals, the government, civil society organizations, and the public,” said Mr Ajulo.