Human Rights Protection and the Question of Good Governance in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is a signatory to several international human rights instruments , in addition to these, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) profusely contained provisions on the protection of human rights of peoples in Nigeria, yet violation of human rights still goes on in the country . The effects of the violations are grave and include loss of lives; loss of limbs or vital organs; loss of properties, loss of freedom, and loss of unhindered access to basic existential needs and so on. These violations are possible because the regime of good governance in all its ramifications is not yet in place. Bad governance is one of the recipes for massive abuse of human rights. The structures and institutions for the observance of good governance in Nigeria are in place, but they have been deliberately crippled by the successive governments. This paper submits that the nexus between good governance and the protection of human rights makes it mandatory that the enthronement of good governance is a must in Nigeria. This enthronement, in a sustainable manner is possible but it imposes a duty on all and sundry.