This book is a compendium of well-researched articles by various legal and electoral experts, chronicling the country’s past and present efforts at bringing about the necessary legal and electoral reforms that will assist in the quest for the deepening of our democratic and electoral processes.
The decision of First Law Concept to dedicate this important collection of essays on the evolution and future of democratic governance in Nigeria to the Honourable Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, GCON, is highly commendable. This is in view of the important role he played as a foremost judicial officer over several decades, culminating in his long spell as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, during which several landmark judgments that significantly assisted in the consolidation of our democratic ethos were given. Justice Uwais’ vital and highly commendable role as the Chairman of the Electoral Reforms Committee set up by the late President Umaru Musa ‘Yar’Adua following the disputed 2007 general elections, which came up with far-reaching and innovative recommendations on ways of further improving the electoral process, also lends support to his selection as the appropriate person to whom this kind of effort should be dedicated. The position of this respected jurist as one of the strong pillars in the nation’s effort at democratic consolidation is indisputable.
I have no doubt that this book will be a very useful addition to the growing literature on electoral and democratic reform processes in Nigeria. I, therefore, recommend it to all stakeholders.
Professor Attahiru M. Jega, OFR
