Do You Know The Constitution ?

The constitution of a country is a set of regulations or rules stating the powers of its government and the rights, roles and duties of its citizens.

Without a well-crafted constitution men in power have no hold to stop them from oppressing the citizens.

Citizens will undoubtedly infringe on the rights of the land also without the constitution.

WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION?

It takes a lot of investment in one’s education and personal development to be prosperous in the world today.

But how would you feel after acquiring some wealth and you decide to buy some properties only for the government to take or seize what belongs to you from you?

Could there be some powers that can prevent such injustice from happening to you?

Yes! There are provisions in the constitution that are there so your right can be protected.

Human beings from time have always anchored their faith in a supernatural being for the purpose of protection, provision and also satisfaction.

Do you have freedom to publicly worship or practice any religion of your choice?

These answers are also contained in the constitution.

Others can mock you for your choice of faith but as long as the written constitutions permits such you are safe.

As a citizen it is good and needful for you to be aware of your constitutional rights.

This way you can also know which steps you need not to take so you don’t go wrong.

The laws of the land are meant to protect you but at the same time what you don’t know can cause you some trouble.

HERE ARE SOME KEY PARTS OF THE CONSTITUTION

1. This Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on the authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2. The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of democracy and social justice.
3. The constitution gives you access to the fundamental rights of all Nigerian citizens.

Some freedom you have access to are:

• Freedom of expression or communication
• Freedom of movement
• Freedom of religion
• Freedom from discrimination
• The right to fair hearing
• The right to privacy
• The right to life
• The right to dignity

4. You get to learn the procedure to become a Nigerian citizen.
5. There is a provision in the constitution that shields National Youth Service legislation, the Land Use Act, the Public Complaints Commission Act, and the National Securities Agencies Act, so the only way these 4 laws can be amended is to follow the procedure to amend the Constitution itself, therefore it puts these laws on the same level as the Constitution.
6. The Constitution clearly states the process for the impeachment of a President and his Vice-President.
7. The constitution states the process for the creating a political party.
8. The constitution clearly states that a person has to be at least 35 years old to be a Senator. Also a person has to be at least 30 years old to be a member of the House of Representatives.
9. The Constitution sets out the powers of the 3 arms of Government – the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary.
10. The Constitution states that before any international Treaty can be effective in Nigeria, it must be enacted into law by the National Assembly.
11. It also mentions the procedure through which a Nigerian Citizen can renounce his/her citizenship. (Yes, you can decide that you do not want to be a Nigerian citizen anymore- but the Government has to confirm this).
12. It sets out the roles of the different Judges for all the courts, and the criteria for their eligibility.
13. States that there shall be 36 states in Nigeria.
14. The motto of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress
15. Government shall direct its policy towards ensuring that there are equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.
16. The State shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air and land, forest and wild life of Nigeria.

FEW THINGS YOU CAN DO AND FULFILL SOME DEMANDS OF THE CONSTITUTION

1. Abide by this Constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions, the National Flag, the National Anthem, the National Pledge, and legitimate authorities.
2. Respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood.
3. Make positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress and well-being of the community where you reside.

To know more about the constitution please follow this link.