Fundamental Human Rights under the Nigerian Constitution: Right or Wrong?

It is almost tempting to apologise for returning to the subject of human rights, but the temptation ought to be resisted. The question of the recognition and protection of Human rights, a perennial, worldwide problem since the immediate aftermath of the Second World War in particular, has played a leading role in international, as well as national, politics. It is a recurring theme of newspaper reports, demonstrations, trials and conferences all over the world, Nigeria included. Indeed, in Nigeria, the main subject of this study, not only are Human Rights guaranteed in the political constitution, but also the institutional protections essential for the “enjoyment” of human rights, such as an independent judiciary, are also enshrined in the constitution. This essay examines the provisions for the protection of human rights in the Nigerian constitution since colonial times and the debate as to whether the provisions are the right or wrong rights! SOPHIA: An African Journal of Philosophy Vol. 8 (2) 2006: pp. 145-152