Status and Limit of Human Rights: Right to Life under Nigerian Constitution, 1999 with Focus on Rural Women in Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

The notion of human rights is now entrenched in most constitutions around the world. Many writers agree that the notion involves a set of inalienable rights endowed by the Creator in to the nature of man to make meaning of humanity of man; to the extent that its alienation is to be permitted by law. This paper, analytically explained the status and limits of the rights which are still subject of heated debate today. In explaining the thematic concepts of these series, the paper recognized right to life as the pivot of all rights and picked it out from the beautiful array of human rights guaranteed under the constitution of Nigeria, 1999 and analyzed it; keeping focus on women issues connected thereto. Provisions of statutes, materials from judicial precedents, law Texts, Journals and Newspapers; including cyber world were used in resolving issues under this paper. Findings made revolve around the fact that the constitution drawn to protect right to life also allows killing even in defence property; no matter how meaningless it is in value; that cultural barriers also exist against women’s right to life. Hence, the paper made recommendations to improve the state of right as it relates to women in Nigeria and particularly rural women in Akwa Ibom State.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n26p154