Of democracy and rights abuse

Democracy is a system of government of the people by the people and for the people while, human rights are the basic rights and freedoms enjoyed by every citizen. These basic rights are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence. These values are defined and protected by law. But this seems not to be the case in Nigeria.

The human rights situation in Nigeria is marked by serious human rights violations such as extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and other ill treatment, kidnappings, violence against women and girls, restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful existence.

The fundamental human rights contained in the constitution of Nigeria are, the right to life, the right to dignity of human person, the right to personal liberty, the right to fair hearing, the right to private and family life, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, the right to freedom of expression, among others. In relation to democracy, it is established that all human beings, irrespective of country, culture and context, are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Democratic principles include elections, measures to strengthen and protect the individual’s opportunities for influence, and measures to promote and guarantee respect for human rights.

In Nigeria, the restrictions on the freedom of thought and movement to which all humans legally have a right are the order of the day. While individuals can violate these rights, the leadership or government also does the same, and makes little or no effort towards ending such act.

The Nigerian government needs to do more in enforcing the laws aimed at protecting the rights of its citizens. The government should investigate war crimes in North-east, protect people caught up in the conflict, make torture a crime, get the justice system working for the poor, let lawyers and families visit people in detention, among many other measures that can help protect human rights.

Janice Oshomegie,

Department of Mass Communication,

University of Maiduguri

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