Abstract
The rate of insecurity in Nigeria does not only call for concern but raises a loud alarm that no one is safe. The unending occurrence of killing, banditry and kidnapping affect all regions of the country and fear grips the mind of citizens, both the rich and the poor. The government at various levels have tried making security policies, giving security a primary attention in the national budget, purchasing sophisticated ammunitions, reshuffling the rank and file in the army, creating regional security outfits and other proactive steps, yet insecurity in the country prevails by the day and government appears to be handicapped in taking charge of internal sovereignty of the country. The government has however, often times, being excused of liability, especially when the cause of death is not directly connected with any of the government’s agencies despite the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the citizens. It is in the light of this that the research aims at examining the sole responsibility of government in protecting citizens in the country, and the government’s corresponding liability in this regard. Relying on both primary and secondary of information, the article revealed the failure of the government to protect lives and properties within her territory makes the country drift into a state of nature. It is therefore concluded that citizens have entered a social contract for the sake of their safety and security, the government should henceforth be held responsible for further acts of killings and insecurity in the country.
Highlights
The relationship between the government and the citizens is one that is traceable to the social contract arrangement wherein Thomas Hobbes, in his book titled “The Leviathan” explained that in order for human beings to escape from the state of nature which is brutal, nasty, solitary and short, there is the need for every human being to submit his or her rights to an organized institution - the government, which in turn will see to the protection of these rights and will protect lives and properties.[1]
The government has often times being excused of liability for insecurity in the country despite the security and welfare of lives and properties remains the primary purpose of government
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA & ANOR [10] that everyone has the right to education and this right is guaranteed under Article 17 (1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international human rights law
Summary
The relationship between the government and the citizens is one that is traceable to the social contract arrangement wherein Thomas Hobbes, in his book titled “The Leviathan” explained that in order for human beings to escape from the state of nature which is brutal, nasty, solitary and short, there is the need for every human being to submit his or her rights to an organized institution - the government, which in turn will see to the protection of these rights and will protect lives and properties.[1]. Human rights are rights inherent in all human beings without prejudice to nationality, gender, place of residence, origin, religion, race or language. These rights can either be individual rights, group rights or peoples’ rights. The government has often times being excused of liability for insecurity in the country despite the security and welfare of lives and properties remains the primary purpose of government. [2] the incessant rate of insecurity in Nigeria today is uncalled for and the government should wake up to her responsibility in safeguarding citizens lives and properties. Omidoyin Taiye Joshua and Awosusi Bolade Damilola: Incessant Insecurity in Nigeria: Has the Country
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