For the purpose of this write up we shall define Law as a system of rules which a particular country or community recognises as regulating the actions of it’s members and which it may enforce by the imposition of penalties.

It is also a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behaviour, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people.

Law is important for every society, it serves as a norm of conduct for citizens. It is also provides for proper guidelines and order, it regulates the behaviour of all citizens and sustains the equity on the three branches of government which keeps the society running. Without law, there would be chaos, it would be survival of the fittest and every man for himself which is not an ideal lifestyle.

Law also acts as a guideline to what is accepted in the society. Without it, there would be conflicts between social groups and communities. Law allows for easy adaption to changes that occur in the society.

Society is a web-relationship and social change which obviously means a change in the system of social relationship where social processes or interactions and social organizations are interwoven.

Thus, the term social change is used to indicate desirable variations in social institutions, social processes and social organisations. It includes alterations in the structure and functions of the society. Closer analysis for the rule of law vis-a-vis social change leads us to distinguish between the direct and the indirect aspects of the role of law.

Law plays an important indirect role in regard to social change by having direct impact on the society. For example, a law setting up a compulsory educational system. It is also an effective medium or agency instrumental in bringing about social changes in a country or any region in particular.

Therefore, we rejuvenate our beliefs that law has been pivotal in introducing changes in the societal structure and relationships and continues to be.

Certainly it has acted as a catalyst in the process of social transformation of people wherein the dilution of caste inequalities, protective measures for the weak and vulnerable sections providing for the dignified existence of those living under unwholesome conditions are the illustrious examples in this regard.

Social change involves an alteration of the society, its economic structure, values and beliefs and its economic, political and social dimensions also undergo modification. However, social change does not affect all aspects of the society in the same manner.

Law cannot bring about change without social support; It still can create certain preconditions for social change.

The constitutions of some countries like India provided far reaching guidelines for change. Its directive principle suggested a blueprint for a new nation. The non recognition of the caste system equality before the law and equal opportunities for all, in economic, political and social sphares were some of the high points of the Indian constitution.

The question now is, Why is it that Nigerians don’t obey laws ?
The truth is an average Nigerian will not obey the simplest law like traffic lights except law enforcement officers are standing nearby to effect arrest.

Corona virus (Covid19) exposes Nigerians as the only people that disobey laws with reckless abandon.

The federal government and our various state governments ordered the stay at home for our safety, how many Nigerians obey the law without fear of imposition of penalties if they don’t.

Yes, even with the police threats of arrest, how many obey the stay at home laws.

Just visit a nearby market or move to any nearby busy junction and thereafter, tell me how many people you saw with facemasks, the few you will see are worn below the cheek instead of nose and mouth.

Statistics revealed that in some countries of the world, over 20% of prison inmates are Nigerians who were arrested for offences ranging from simple offences like disobedience to traffic regulations to serious ones like drug paddling and others.

Could this be the reason for Governor Wike’s action against the hotel in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State to serve as a deterrent to others? Why should force/ compulsion be used for us to obey every law?

We need to purge ourselves, like the late Prof. Dora Akunyili will say ” rebrand ” ourselves and change our mentality and attitudes towards obeying laws.

We cannot advance as a nation if we are known all over the world as Law breakers.

As lawyers, we can do better. We should not just sit by as if it is not our concern or business. We should begin from our families, communities and everywhere to educate our people on the importance of obeying laws. It will go a long way to change the societal and world perception about us as a Nation.

I’m aware that the new primary and secondary school curriculum of our dear country added subjects like Civic Education. The essence of the said subject is to teach pupils and students the need to obey law and the consequences therein. In actual sense, can we say that the pupils and students that graduated from these schools are true products of this subject? My answer is in the negative.

It is my humble suggestion that no child be allowed to graduate from primary school when the teachers and the school authority are not satisfied that the said child is well groomed and is indeed a law abiding child. This duty is mandatory if we are indeed ready to rebrand our Nation.

May God bless our nation.