- International Day of Democracy provides an ideal moment to review the fundamental human rights guaranteed by Nigeria's 1999 Constitution
- Knowing these rights helps in protecting oneself and others from injustices
- TheRadar compiled the fundamental human rights here for you
September 15 marks International Day of Democracy, a perfect occasion to reflect on the essential human rights that form the bedrock of democracy in Nigeria.
Knowing your rights empowers you to protect yourself and others from injustices and abuses. It also helps you advocate for fair treatment and ensures that you can hold institutions accountable.
Here are your fundamental human rights under Chapter IV of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution:
1. Right to life - section 33
While every person has the fundamental right to life, this right may be revoked in specific situations, including the enforcement of a court-imposed sentence for a criminal act or in the context of controlling a riot, insurrection, or mutiny.
2. Right to dignity - section 34
Everyone deserves to be treated with personal dignity. No one shall be subjected to torture, slavery, or compelled to work against their will.
3. Right to personal liberty - section 35
Everyone has the right to personal freedom, though this may be restricted in cases involving minors, under eighteen, particularly for their educational or welfare needs.
Anyone under arrest or detention has the right to stay silent or decline to answer questions until they have spoken with a legal representative or another person of their choice.
4. Right to fair hearing - section 36
Every person is entitled to a fair and timely hearing by a court or tribunal established by law, designed to maintain independence and impartiality.
Every individual accused of a criminal offence is considered innocent until proven guilty.
5. Right to privacy and family life - section 37
The protection of citizens' privacy in their homes, personal correspondence, phone calls, and telegraphic communications is hereby protected.
6. Right to freedom of thought conscience and religion - section 38
The right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is guaranteed to all, encompassing the freedom to change one's religion or belief and to express and practice their faith individually or collectively, both publicly and privately.
Despite this right, individuals are not entitled to create, take part in, or belong to a secret society.
7. Right to freedom of expression and press - section 39
Everyone is entitled to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and communicate and receive information and ideas without interference.
Nonetheless, this right may be limited to prevent the disclosure of confidential information, maintain the courts' authority and independence, or regulate telephony, wireless broadcasting, television, and film exhibitions.
Or by placing restrictions on persons in government offices, members of the armed forces, the Nigeria Police Force, or other state-established security services and agencies.
8. Right to peaceful assembly and association - section 40
Every person can freely gather and associate with others and has the right to form or join any political party, trade union, or other association to advance their interests.
Nonetheless, this will not affect the constitutional power of the Independent National Electoral Commission under the Constitution about political parties that it does not officially recognise.
9 Right to freedom of movement - section 41
Every Nigerian citizen has the right to travel freely within Nigeria and to live in any part of the country, and no Nigerian shall be expelled or denied entry or exit.
Except in cases where restrictions may be placed on the residence or movement of individuals who have committed or are reasonably suspected of committing a criminal offence, to prevent them from leaving Nigeria.
10. Right to freedom from discrimination - section 42
No Nigerian citizen shall be subjected to disabilities or restrictions due to their community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion, or political opinions, either directly by law or through its practical application, that are not imposed on other citizens.
Or be given any special privilege or advantage by, or through the application of, any existing Nigerian law or executive or administrative measure, that is not provided to citizens of different communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sexes, religions, or political opinions.
7 bills awaiting approval of the 10th National Assembly
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the 10th National Assembly had passed numerous bills addressing various national issues since its inauguration in June 2023.
However, several sensitive and contentious bills remain unresolved, awaiting public hearings and legislative approval.