What are Civic Rights and Responsibilities?
Civic rights are the rights guaranteed to every citizen of a country, irrespective of race, gender, religion, or ethnicity. These rights are fundamental to the existence of a democratic society and ensure that individuals are protected from discrimination and other forms of oppression. Civic rights include the right to vote, freedom of speech, and the right to a fair trial.
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On the other hand, civic responsibilities refer to the duties that every citizen of a country is expected to perform to contribute to the well-being of society. Civic responsibilities include obeying the laws of the land, paying taxes, and serving on a jury when called upon.
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Nigerian Civic Rights:
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Right to Life: The right to life is one of the fundamental rights of every Nigerian citizen. It is protected by the Nigerian constitution, which guarantees the right to life and prohibits any form of arbitrary deprivation of life.
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Right to Education: Every Nigerian citizen has the right to free and compulsory primary education. This right is enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, and the government has a responsibility to provide quality education to all citizens.
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Right to Freedom of Speech: The right to freedom of speech is a fundamental right that is guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen. This right allows individuals to express their opinions and ideas freely without fear of persecution.
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Right to Vote: Every Nigerian citizen who is 18 years and above has the right to vote in elections. This right is crucial to the democratic process, as it allows citizens to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
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Right to a Fair Trial: The right to a fair trial is guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen. This right ensures that individuals are treated fairly and justly in the legal system.
Other rights include;
- The right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion
- The right to freedom of expression, assembly, and association
- The right to own property
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Nigerian Civic Responsibilities:
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Paying Taxes: Every Nigerian citizen is expected to pay taxes on their income and property. These taxes are essential to fund government projects and provide public services.
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Obeying Laws: Nigerian citizens are expected to obey the laws of the land. This includes following traffic rules, paying fines for breaking the law, and reporting crimes to the police.
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Serving on a Jury: Nigerian citizens may be called upon to serve on a jury when called upon. This civic responsibility ensures that justice is served in the legal system.
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Protecting the Environment: Nigerian citizens have a responsibility to protect the environment by engaging in eco-friendly practices and reporting any environmental hazards to the authorities.
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Respecting the Rights of Others: Nigerian citizens are expected to respect the rights of others, including their right to life, freedom of speech, and the right to a fair trial.
Other Civic Responsibilities include but are not limited to;
- Contributing to the development of the community by engaging in volunteer work or supporting local initiatives
- Reporting crimes to the appropriate authorities
- Respecting the environment and practising good citizenship
Nigerian Civic Right And Responsibilities, It’s important to note that these are just some of the key civil rights and responsibilities in Nigeria, and there may be others that are specific to certain regions or communities. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that while civic rights are guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, it’s up to individuals to actively participate in society and uphold their responsibilities as citizens in order to ensure that these rights are protected and maintained.
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FAQ
ANSWER: Failure to fulfil civic responsibilities may result in fines, imprisonment, or other forms of punishment.
ANSWER: Failure to pay taxes may result in fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.
ANSWER: Can Nigerian citizen be denied their civic rights?
ANSWER: Serious and life-threatening hazards must be reported immediately by calling emergency hotline 112- The ECC project is the brainchild of NCC to enable easy communication by Nigerians with emergency first responders such as the Police, Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Orientation Agency (NOA) among others, by dialling the three-digit toll-free Number 112.
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