Most constitutions in the world have such idealistic words in their preambles and first chapters, but not all of them put such emphasis on social justice and social order. Nigeria is certainly one of the places where the contrast between the sanctity of the principles of equality and justice on the one hand, and the daily reality of extreme inequality and unlimited injustice on the other hand is the most shocking. In the words of Muhammadu Buhari, the former military ruler who was elected as the new President of Nigeria in March 2015: “Together, we co-operated to surprise the world that had come to expect only the worst from Nigeria.” The surprise came from the exceptionally credible and peaceful presidential election, which led to the first-ever democratic alternation of power in the history of Nigeria.

Nigerians, West Africa and the African continent needed good news as bloody conflicts and an upsurge in the number of terrorist acts were casting serious doubts on the recent positive perceptions of economic prospects for the continent. Buhari's election generated an unprecedented wave of hopes throughout Nigeria. But the new president knew that turning around Nigeria might be the most difficult undertaking a leader on the planet could think of. Nigerians unequivocally voted for Buhari and his opposition party because they believed that a new administration could put an end to deadly violence in the country, especially in the north confronted with Boko Haram's campaign of terror, and at the same time aggressively fight a battle against corruption and outrageous economic and social inequalities.