Observation

This was a popular question. The performance of most candidates who answered it was good as they really understood its demands. However, some candidates did not do well in the (b) aspect of the question and they scored low marks. The (b) part required full explanation and some of the candidates felt short and could only make skeletal explanations. The candidates were expected to provide the following answers to the question:

(i)  Peaceful coexistence.
(ii)  Absence of wars and civil strife.
(iii)  Peaceful conduct of elections.
(iv)  Tolerance of oppositions.
(v)   Religious tolerance.
(vi)  Queuing culture.
(vii)  Decorum/orderliness.
(viii) Constitutionalism.
(ix)  Peaceful protest.
(x)  Obedience to constituted authority.
(xi)  Obeying traffic regulations.
(xii)  Due process/justice.
(xiii)  Harmonious governmental relations.
(xiv)  Accountability.
(xv)  Stability.
(xvi)  Improved level of socioeconomic development.
(xvii)  General sense of security.
(xviii) Equity and fairness.
(xix)  Respect for the rights of individuals.
(xx)  General respect for and good public image of the society.

 

(b)       

1. Peaceful coexistence: 

 

Peaceful coexistence among individuals, clans, tribes, ethnic groups and religious institutions that make up the society is the manifestation of the existence of law and order.

1. Absence of wars and civil strife: 

 

Wars and civil strife are generally absent in society exhibiting law and order. The breakdown of law and order makes the society ungovernable.

 

1. Peaceful conduct of elections: 

 

Electioneering activities such as campaigns, voting and announcement of results, etc. are generally peaceful and orderly in a society exhibiting law and order.

1. Tolerance of oppositions: 

There is tolerance of opposition/opposing views in the society where law and order are exhibited e.g. political office holders tolerate opposing views and social critics.

1. Religious tolerance: 

 

Adherents of different religions in the society tolerate the views, teaching and preaching of others which prevent sectarian crises.

1. Queuing culture: 

 

People form or join queue(s) in an orderly manner in public places such as petrol stations, bus stops, etc. to access public utilities in societies exhibiting law and order.

1. Decorum/orderliness:

 

Polite behaviour and respect for others in interpersonal, inter-group and inter-communal relations are common features of societies where law and order are exhibited.

1. Constitutionalism:

Adherence to the tenets and principles of the constitution is a feature of societies exhibiting law and order. This prevents tyranny and lawlessness.

1. Peaceful protest: 

 

Protest, demonstration and other forms of agitations are generally peaceful in societies where law and order are exhibited.

1. Obedience to constituted authority:  

 

Citizens obey the constituted authority in societies where there is law and order. 

1. Obeying traffic regulations: 

Traffic regulations are voluntarily obeyed in societies where law and order are exhibited for the benefit of all road users and common good of all.

1. Due Process/Justice:

 

Due process is followed in societies where law and order are exhibited to ensure justice, probity, accountability and transparency.

1. Harmonious governmental relations: 

 

Harmonious relationships among the organs and tiers of government exist in societies where there is law and order.

1. Accountability:

Office holders and people in positions of trust are held responsible and expected to render account of stewardship to the people.

1. Stability:

 

There is generally stable socio-political order in societies exhibiting law and order. In such societies, terrorism, coup d’état, violence and other unconventional/unconstitutional changes are not common. 

1. Improved level of socio-economic development:

There is an environment conducive for individuals and groups to engage in economic activities that lead to high productivity.

1. General sense of security:

 

Members of the society generally have a sense of security of life and property. 

1. Equity and fairness:

 

Citizens are treated fairly and equitably not only in the court of law but also in terms of access to public goods, services and positions in a society exhibiting law and order.

1. Respect for the rights of individuals:

 

The rights of individuals in the society (e.g. right to life, freedom of speech, etc.) are respected and protected in societies exhibiting law and order.

1. General respect for and good public image of the society:

 

When there is law and order in a society, the society earns general respect and good image from the comity of nations and other societies.