RIGHTS OF CITIZENS

FIRST TERM E-LEARNING NOTE      

SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION                                                                          

CLASS: SS 3

WEEK ONE

RIGHTS OF CITIZENS

The primary function of a state or country is to protect the fundamental human rights of its citizens and as a citizen of Nigeria you have the following rights entitled to you:

1. Right to life
2. Right to freedom from torture, inhuman or degrading punishment.
3. Right to freedom from deprivation of personal liberty.
4. Right to freedom from discrimination on the ground of sex, race or tribe
5. Right to fair and equal hearing
6. Right to private and family life.
7. Right to freedom of movement.
8. Right to peaceful assembly and association
9. Right to freedom of expression and the press.
10. Right to freedom from slavery and forced labour.
11. Right to freedom from unlawful imprisonment.
12. Right to ownership of property.
13. Right to vote and be voted for.
14. Right to education.

EVALUATION

• Mention your fundamental rights as a citizen of Nigeria.
• Explain right to fair hearing.

Types of Laws in Existence in Nigeria:

The following are types of laws in existence in Nigeria.

1. Constitution: This is a body of rules and regulations governing the citizens of Nigeria.
2. Decrees: Decrees are laws made by the military when they are in power.
3. Bye-laws: These are laws made by the local governments, public corporations etc
4. Judicial Precedents: These are important judgments passed and decision taken in our law courts like Supreme Court.
5. Conventions: These are rules that guide peoples’ behavior which are not written down but people show their disrespect when violated.
6. Custom and Norms.
7. International laws: International laws such as the ones made by international organizations like the U.N.O.,A.U., O.P.E.C. etc.

[mediator_tech]

EVALUATION

1. State the types of law in existence in Nigeria.
2. Differentiate between bye-laws and conventions.

As a citizen of Nigeria, I have certain fundamental rights that are protected by our constitution. These include the right to life, personal liberty, freedom of speech and expression, and equality before the law. In addition, the government has a responsibility to ensure these rights are upheld and protected at all times.

In order to protect my right to life, the government must work to prevent and respond to incidents of violence, crime, and discrimination. This can be done through policies and programs that promote safety and security for all citizens, as well as fair treatment by law enforcement officers.

As a citizen of Nigeria, I also have certain responsibilities towards my country. These include paying taxes in a timely manner, following laws and regulations, participating in civic activities, and promoting peace and tolerance within our communities.

Youth empowerment is a key priority for many governments around the world, including Nigeria. This involves creating programs and policies that give young people access to resources, training, and opportunities needed to succeed. Examples of this might include providing support for education and employment, improving access to healthcare, and promoting the involvement of young people in decision-making processes. Ultimately, youth empowerment is a powerful tool for building a stronger, more inclusive society.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. State your fundamental rights as a citizen of Nigeria.
2. Which constitution is in operation in Nigeria?
3. Discuss how the government can protect your right to life.
4. Mention five of your duties to Nigeria.
5. What is youth empowerment?

READING ASSIGNMENT

Fundamentals of Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools Book 3, Sola AkinyemiPgs. 1-6.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Laws made by military government are called ______ (a)constitution B. decrees C. bye-laws
2. Laws made by local government in Nigeria are called_____ (a) constitution B. decrees C. bye laws
3. The head of the executive in Nigeria is the_______ (a) President B. Vice President C. Senate President
4. The upper house of the National Assembly is called ______ (a) House of Senate B. House of Representative C. House of Assembly
5. Which organ of government interprets the laws of the country? _______ (a) The executive B. The Legislature C. The Judiciary

[mediator_tech]

One limitation to our fundamental human rights is the government’s ability to restrict certain types of speech that may be harmful or incite violence. While this can help protect individuals from harm, it can also limit freedom of expression and have a negative impact on civil discourse and democratic processes.

Another limitation to our fundamental human rights is the potential for unlawful surveillance or monitoring by government agencies. While this may help to protect national security, it also raises concerns about privacy and the right to personal information.

Other limitations to our fundamental human rights include restrictions on certain political activities, unequal access to resources and opportunities, and discrimination based on gender, race, or religion. Despite these limitations, there are also many benefits to these limitations, including increased safety and security for all citizens, stronger democratic processes and institutions, and greater social cohesion.

Ultimately, the limitations to our fundamental human rights are balanced by a number of important benefits for individuals and society as a whole. While it is important to be aware of these challenges and work towards addressing them, we must also recognize the inherent value and importance of these fundamental rights.

1. 1. Increased safety and security: Limitations on certain types of speech, political activities, and other rights can help to prevent violence, crime, and other forms of harm. This can help to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and communities.
2. 2. Stronger democratic processes and institutions: Limitations on fundamental rights may also help to promote greater participation in democratic processes and strengthen our political systems and institutions. This can help to ensure that all voices are heard and represented in decision-making.
3. 3. Greater social cohesion: By limiting discrimination, unequal access, and other barriers to rights and opportunities, limitations on human rights can help to build a more inclusive society where everyone is valued and respected. This can help to promote greater tolerance, understanding, and trust among different groups.
4. 4. Increased opportunities for youth: Many governments around the world are focusing on ensuring that young people have access to the resources and support they need in order to succeed. This may include providing additional funding or other forms of support for education, employment, and other opportunities, as well as increasing the involvement of young people in decision-making processes. This can help to ensure that future generations are better prepared to meet the challenges of our changing world.

Overall, there are many benefits to limitations on fundamental human rights, including increased safety and security, greater social cohesion, stronger democratic institutions and processes, and increased opportunities for youth. While these challenges should not be ignored, they must also be viewed in the broader context of the many benefits that these limitations provide. By working to address these issues, we can help to build a more just and equitable society for all.

THEORY

1. Highlight five limitations to your fundamental human right.
2. Explain four benefits of these limitations.