WATERING DOWN THE STATUS OF RIGHT TO LIFE IN NIGERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF SECTION 33 OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION

Abstract

The right to life is one of the essential rights in existence in Nigeria. Indeed, the importance of this right is more highlighted when the State takes away the right for one to choose death. This simply means that a person who has the right to live cannot choose the right to die. The issue of euthanasia and suicide in Nigeria are criminalized on the basis that the State so values the individuals life. The constitution of Nigeria elevates this right to a fundamental right and the right to life assumes the first position. It is common for State governments to reemphasize on their inalienable duty to protect lives and properties of citizens at any slightest opportunity. This is very laudable but then a glimpse at that particular sections of the law shows that the Constitution did not actually place this much emphasis on the lives of the citizens. It is therefore this giving with one hand that we will explore in this work and determine actually if the Constitution places much emphasis on life and then look at other instances of this emphasis while drawing a conclusion and proffering recommendations to strengthen the value of life and giving with both hands.