THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHAPTER II OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 1999: A LEGAL INTERROGATION

Abstract

Ever since Nigeria attained independence in 1960, she has been challenged with so many irregularities and anomalies and even till date she remains a third world country, yet it is axiomatic that Nigeria is very much endowed with natural resources. Sadly, while those who occupy the seats and corridors of power in Nigeria [continue to] mismanage, loot, embezzle, and or misappropriate the public treasury to satisfy their selfish desires, the masses are there on the streets and at the grassroots suffering and sorrowing with tears. There are only a few good roads, no stable or regular power supply, no adequate or quality health and housing facilities. Poverty and corruption are at all times high, and for the common man in sight there seems to be no hope for a better tomorrow. The grand outcome of these is that there is little national development, bountiful feeling of insecurity, intolerance, crises, crimes, banditry, insurgency, terrors and terrorism in Nigeria. This research is a legal survey on the significance of Chapter II of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. There seems to be a large consensus ad idem among jurists and scholars that Chapter II of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 is the constitutional abode of socio-economic rights in Nigeria and this paper finds that only a sincere and progressive enforcement of socio-economic rights by the Nigerian State can provide enduring solution to the aforementioned societal ills and the likes. This Paper concludes that Chapter II of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 contains certain provisions, which have the legal potentials to promote conditions necessary for the people’s welfare, security, prosperity and for the enjoyment of life and it is recommended inter alia that these provisions should not be glossed over since they are incorporated in the supreme law of Nigeria.