YOUR RIGHTS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

YOUR RIGHTS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
– Section 42 of the Nigerian constitution.

(1) A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not by reason only that he is such a person:-

(a) be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religious or political opinions are not made subject ….”

Points To Note on YOUR RIGHT AGAINST DISCRIMINATION:

1) It is unconstitutional to discriminate against persons of other religions, ethnic origins, political opinions, sex or places of birth.

2) The Nigerian Constitution disallows any law which does not give equal opportunity to people from other sections of the country.

3) It is unconstitutional to give people of a particular sex, religion, ethnic origin or place of birth any privilege or right which is not extended to persons of other sex, ethnic origin or place of birth.

4) Prohibitions against discriminations do not affect public or government offices only. It is unconstitutional to discriminate against people of other sex, ethnic origin, sections or place of birth even in private establishments.

5) The Constitution also frowns at discriminating against disabled persons simply on the basis of their circumstances of birth.

6) Please note the constitutional limitations on your right to freedom from discriminations.