Know Your Rights (KYR)

In light of recent events in our beloved Nigeria I want to talk about the issue of protests, strikes, revolutions etc and the rights of persons in relation to such activities. Basically our Constitution provides the framework for people's rights in this aspect. First of all the Constitution says that we have the right to freedom of thought and conscience. Meaning that we are free to think as we like and to maintain whatever moral standards we choose. The Constitution goes further to say that we have the right to express ourselves freely and to have our opinions. We also have the right to receive ideas and information, and to also pass them on to other people without any interference. Our supreme law also says that we have the right to assemble/gather freely, and to associate with whoever we please. We can even form associations or groups to protect our interests. Finally on this subject, our Constitution says that as Nigerian citizens we can move freely throughout...

Today I will briefly be discussing the rampant issue of trespass to land. Trespass to land is any unlawful direct entry into the land of another person. Let me paint you a scenario - So you bought a land and paid everything required, maybe you have developed the land or maybe you haven't started using it yet, but then to your surprise you discover that someone has entered your land and is using your land one way or the other. What do you do? The above illustration is what trespass to land is all about and the law protects your rights as a land owner or legal occupier to use and enjoy your land without interference from any other person. This law protects your rights and interests over 3 main areas of the land namely: 1) the land surface itself, 2) the air space above your land up to such reasonable extent that is necessary for you to fully enjoy your land, and 3) the earth surface below the land. However, in Nigeria, all mineral resources belong to the Federal Govern...