Everyone at one point in their life has heard about Human Right. Whether or not you get your right is another matter.
As a Nigerian Citizen, we are entitled to certain rights, duties and privileges, which are provided in the Nigerian Constitution.
However, there are certain rights that basically surpass all other ones. These rights are referred to as inalienable rights.
Inalienable rights are rights that can not be infringed upon or revoked by an outside force.
Despite the continuous chatter on social media about human rights and is annual celebration around the world, it is ironic that many Nigerians have little or no idea about their rights, which makes them prone to being infringed upon.
Today, Scooper will explain the top Fundamental human Rights under Chapter IV of the Constitution every Nigerian should know.
RIGHT TO LIFE
This is the most important right of every Nigerian. The right to 'Exist', as no one will be intentionally deprived of his life.
What this right simply says is that no one can take your life unless you have carried out a capital crime, you have been tried by a competent court, and found guilty.
However, the Constitution provides exceptions where the violation of this Right is acceptable.
(a) If a person dies as a result of the use of reasonable force for the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property
(b) If a person dies as a result of the use of reasonable force in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; or
(c) If a person dies as a result of the use of reasonable force for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny.
RIGHT TO DIGNITY
This right basically means that every Nigerian is entitled to respect for his/her dignity. She/He has a right to not be subjected to torture or inhuman/degrading treatment.
No Nigerian should be held in circumstances which amount to slavery or servitude. It also provides that no one should be required to perform forced or compulsory labour.
Exceptions, where the Right of Dignity is acceptable.
(a) Any labour required in consequence of the sentence or order of a court;
(b) Any labour required of members of the Armed Forces, Police Force, and compulsory national service
(c) In the case of persons who have conscientious objections to service in the armed forces of the Federation, any labour required instead of such service;
(d) Any labour required which is reasonably necessary for the event of an emergency or calamity threatening the life or well-being of the community; or
(e) Any labour or service that forms part of normal communal or other civic obligations of the well-being of the community.
RIGHTS TO FREEDOM FROM DISCRIMINATION
No citizen of Nigeria is subjected to any disabilities or restrictions based solely on the fact that he/she is a member of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion, or circumstances of his/her birth.
Which means that every Nigerian citizen is equal.
Exceptions;
Restrictions with respect to the appointment of any person to any office under the State or as a member of the Armed Forces/ Police Force or to an office in the service of a body, corporate established directly by any law in force in Nigeria.
RIGHTS TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
This right is fundamental to the development of a civilized society.
Every Nigerian citizen is entitled to freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.
Exceptions;
(a) Only persons authorised by the Government upon fulfilling conditions laid down by an Act of the National Assembly may own, establish or operate a television or wireless broadcasting station.
(b) Laws validly created for the purpose of preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of courts or regulating telephony, wireless broadcasting, television or the exhibition of cinematograph films
(c) Laws validly created for the purpose of imposing restrictions on Government official or members of the Armed Forces/Police or other government security agencies.
RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF THOUGHTS CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION
This right guarantees that an individual is entitled to religious freedom including the freedom to change religion or beliefs as well as manifest and grow one's religion or beliefs in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
The constitutional right prevents forced principles or ideology in any place of education, however, no religious community or denomination is prevented from providing religious instruction for citizens of that community or denomination in any place of education maintained wholly by denomination.
Exceptions:
The right does not entitle any person to form, take part in the activity or be a member of a secret society.
In the end, it is important that as a citizen you should know your right and not let anyone infringe on them. However, while exercising our rights, we should be careful not to abuse them.
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