Fundamental human rights in Nigeria are contained in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These rights are inalienable, significant and fundamental to the survival and wellbeing of any nation. The developed world has made gargantuan efforts in protecting these rights in their respective countries. It is heartrending and deplorable that in Nigeria, we still trample on these rights with impunity. Recently, the Lagos State High Court was dismayed to see the extent of horror, barbarism, ruthless brutality and dehumanization meted to a young Nigerian lady, Miss. Uzoma Okereke by Naval ratings. The court ordered that the Naval authorities pay her compensation of N100,000,000.00. The court also ordered that unreserved apology should offered to her.
As a country, we must uphold these rights as sacrosanct and sacred. There is no gainsaying the fact that we have not done enough in protecting these inalienable rights to human existence and civilization. All government officials, institutions, agencies, security outfits, individuals etc., must wake up to this national challenge, if we are not to remain stagnant while the world moves ahead. Our efforts in this important aspect of our national life will go a long way whether we will be applauded and celebrated or be thrown into the dust bin of history as a country where nothing works.
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