By Omolere Festus
In every and any democratic society, the rule of law stands as the foundation upon which justice, order, and accountability are built. Public office holders are entrusted with authority not for personal advantage, but for the service and protection of the people. A recurring concern in Nigeria political landscape most recently Ondo State is the tendency of some leaders to mistake constitutional immunity for a license to act with impunity.
Immunity, as provided under Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution, is designed to protect certain office holders such as the President, Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies from civil or criminal prosecution while in office. The primary intention of this provision is to allow them to focus on governance without the distraction of constant litigation. Unfortunately, in some cases, this constitutional protection is misunderstood and abused.
The situation in Ondo State presents a reflection point for the nation. When political actors disregard court orders, ignore legal processes, or manipulate party structures without regard for due process, it raises serious concerns about respect for the rule of law. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions are weakened and judicial authority is treated with contempt.
Immunity should never translate into impunity. The rule of law demands that every action taken within the political space must respect legal boundaries and institutional authority. Political power must always be exercised with responsibility, humility, and adherence to democratic principles.
For Ondo State, and indeed Nigeria as a whole, the path forward lies in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting a culture where leaders see the law not as an obstacle, but as the guiding framework for governance. Respect for the judiciary, adherence to electoral laws, and obedience to court rulings should not be optional they are the pillars that sustain democracy.
Ultimately, leadership is not measured by the power one wields, but by the discipline to operate within the law. Immunity is a constitutional shield for governance, not a sword for political excess. If democracy must endure in Ondo State, the line between *immunity and impunity* must remain clear and respected.
Immunity shouldn't be taken as licence for impunity
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