Human Rights: The Condoning of the Abuse

Established Fact; The average Nigerian doesn’t know or doesn't use His right (Please do not ask me who established this fact). One of the many problems facing Nigerians is under use of their constitutional rights. In a typical Nigerian’s lifetime, that part of the constitution comes into play probably never throughout his existence. Some people know it, others are aware that there is a provision in the constitution but little put it to use. Abuse of human rights is one of the characteristics of underdeveloped countries (or nicely put 'Developing countries'). Why should that be the case? Why are citizens harassed and oppressed by military personals (most especially), politicians, School system, Lecturers and teachers, employees and even the Healthcare providers? The “Servicom” was created to address these issues but unfortunately, the Servicom is nonexistent and useless, needless for all intents and purposes.
The seeming unawareness of Nigerians to their rights or their unwillingness to make use of it stems from some reasons I would point at:

·      Culture of prolonged Military rules: Nigeria in her 56 years of independence has had Military juntas for 28years (that is exactly half of her independence). Due to the lawlessness and impunity of these so called “military boys” who have no regards for civilians (no offense to the military, I think some of you are great), People have come to terms with their brutality and arbitrariness believing they are the Law and order, and whatsoever they do cannot be contended. That is why till this day, 18 years later, civilians still live in fear of the military knowing fully well that they legally have no right to abuse them. 

·         Tradition/Religion: The average Nigerian is cultured thanks to our early sensitization. Tradition is so buried inside of Him; He can leave this country for a hundred years but His soul will still be stuck at the borders of Nigeria. Respect is one of the tenets of both religion and traditions but then we take it to the extreme. For fear of being seen as uncultured, unruly or “the bad egg”, we succumb to all forms of ill treatments. Nobody wants to be the first to protest and be seen as a rebel. Hence, a Nurse can insult you a patient and scream at you for merely trying to inquire (which is professionally unethical) and you just murmur back to your seat probably because she is older (And then you remember how your grandma stressed on respecting your elders even when they are wrong and what Pastor said in church on Sunday or what was preached during Juma'at kareem about patience and turning the left cheek when you are slapped on the right).

·         Human Rights Disability: The human rights inability to do what ought to be done and provide justice for citizens is why we are losing faith in them. I know they want to cry about how they try their best, but their best is the worst of other countries. The human rights cannot function efficiently and effectively due to reasons like job insecurity on their parts; we know the problem but who will bell the cat? You are probably a junior staff and your seniors will wash their hands off your case like Pontius Pilate when those who love it this way decides to intervene. One other reason the human rights cannot function properly would have us drawing back to the present Political class (Honestly, I think they are the worst thing that has happened to Nigeria since the Civil war). This ruling group put a puppet they can maneuver and control. And remove them at will when you go contrary to their ideas. You have been handed this job on merits rather than hard work so you must play by the rules of those who put you there. Precise, they are the “government” so they can adjust the constitution to please them as the situation demands. 

·     Lastly, Hero worshiping: Please pledging your life to a person takes away your free will. The moment you start worshiping your Pastor, Imam, Local Chief or that Politician from your village who has promised free education for your children, electricity, water and good road (in any case, we all know he is going to do none of that), your rights begins to lose value. You end up doing only their bidding. If they say go right and you take left, you are asking for trouble. 

Guard your rights and know them. It is important that we understand how important it is for us to know our rights and stand by it. And the next time that ministers convoy stops you, or the “army boy” tells you to frog jump, points a gun at you, or that silly health worker tries to trample on your right or even your lecturer dares to take advantage of you, gently explain to them the provision of your rights in all constitutions and laws of these country and if they do not back down, you would take legal actions. We would get it right in this country 

Amen