CITIZENSHIP - WEEK THREE

CITIZENSHIP

Objectives:Students should be able to:

1)         Explain how one can become a citizen

2)         Discuss the rights, duties and obligations of a citizen

3)         Indicate the differences between citizen and non-citizen

DEFINITION

A citizen is a person who has legal rights in the country in which he resides. Acitizen can also be a person who possess his status from birth, naturalization, registration etc. In a particular country, citizens enjoy certain rights and privileges and owe certain duties and obligations to the government.

WAYSTOACQUIRECITIZENSHIP

1. By naturalization - If the person satisfies the constitutional requirements of the countryfor naturalization, he may be accorded citizenship eg some countries insist that theperson must stay in that country for 10 - 15 years and be a good citizen before he can be allowed to naturalize.
2. By birth -If a person's parents are members or citizens of a country and gives birth to a child in that country, the child automatically becomes a citizen by birth.
3. Marriage/Registration :- Aperson may be registered as a citizen if she/he is married to a male or female citizen of that country eg a Nigerian female married to a Canadian female. She will be registered as aNigerian citizen.
4. Citizenship by conferment - This is citizenship that is given as an honour. Is given to an individual by a foreign country because of his excellent qualities, work or achievement.
5. Dual citizenship - This is a situation where an individual has citizenship of two different countries at the same time.

CONDITIONS OR QUALIFICATIONS FOR CITIZENSHIP

1. The individual would be ready to make reasonable contributions to the development and progress of the country.
2. He must be above the statutory age accepted by the law of the country.
3. He must be acceptable to the community where he is living.
4. The citizens must have lived in a country fora specified numbers of years eg 15-10 yrsdepending on the country in question.
5. He/she must be of good character .

1. He must show clear intention of his desire for the citizenship he is asking for.
2. He has to take an oath of allegiance.
3. He must convince the president of the country of his good, impeccable character.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP

An alien can lose his citizenship under the following situations.

1. If the alien is disloyal to the country.
2. If the alien supports another country when involved in war with his country.
3. If found guilty of treasonable offence or convicted for a period not less than 3 tears for anoffence.
4. If he declares falsely ie false declaration which is breaking his citizenship agreement.
5. If he renounces his citizenship either verbally or written.
6. If in dual citizenship, of his original country.

RIGHTS OFACITIZEN

Rights of citizens are legal claims or entitlement, which every citizen enjoys in a country and which the state has a duty to protect and are guaranteed by the constitution. Fundamental human rights mean that every individual at birth is endowed with certain rights for his freedom, liberty and life.

These Rights Are Divided Thus

1. Personal rights - The rights under these personal rights include right to life, right todignity of human person, right to freedom of movement, right to personal liberty, right toeducation.
2. Political rights include - Right to association, to vote and be voted for, freedom of expression, right to hold political office, to criticize government policies, right to peaceful assembly etc.
3. Moral rights - Freedom of conscience and religion, freedom of the press, right to ownership of property or freedom from deprivation.
4. Civil rights - Fair hearing, open trial and right to secure legal representation (i.e counsel in court) joining political party of choice, unlawful arrest.
5. Equalityrights- These arc rights against discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, place of origin and political opinion.

HOWTOSAFEGUARD POLITICALRIGHTS

1. Publization of laws - Act of parliament and delegated legislation should be publicized in a language that is understandable.
2. Independent judiciary-The judiciary should be independent to aid their performance.
3. Education of the citizens - The citizens should be educated on their civic, political rights etc.
4. Independent well equipped and corrupt free law enforcement agents.
5. Independent Electoral Commission to conduct free and fair elections.
6. Written constitution to spell out powers, institutions and the functions of the organs of government.
7. Public complaints communion should be established and maintained.
8. Free press not to gag the press.        
9. Respect for rule of law: Respect for international laws and conventions.
10. Existence of pressure groups and civil rights organization to help safeguard people's rights.
11. Adherence to the doctrine of separation of powers and checks and balances.

DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONSOFACITIZEN IN ASTATE.

1. Every citizen of a country must abide by the provisions of the constitution that is they should obey all the laws, rules and regulations made by their government.
2. The citizens must owe allegiance to the country by being loyal and paying respect to its ideals, institutions and symbols. Due respect should be accorded the National Flag and National Anthem (Civic responsibilities).
3. Citizens must pay their tax promptly.
4. Every qualified citizen should participate in and defend all democratic processes and practices.
5. Citizens should always protect and preserve public properties.
6. Citizens should render assistance to law enforcement agencies in preventing crime and arresting criminals.
7. Citizens should render national or military service to their country when requested. In addition, they must also defend the country against internal and external enemies in whatever capacity required.
8. A citizen should respect the rights and legitimate interests of fellow citizens.
9. A citizen should ensure the proper upbringing of his children.
10. Citizens should vote at elections or referendum.
11. Obligation to participate indifferent national service e.gNYSC,police, Military etc.

WAYS BY WHICH CITIZENS RIGHTCAN BE SAFEGUARDED.

1. The constitution - The entrenchment of fundamental human rights of citizens in the constitution is a way of safeguarding their rights.
2. Existence of principle of the rule of law - The government under the principle of the rule of law has an obligation to ensure the existence of civil liberties and equality of allcitizens.
3. Independence of the judiciary: For citizens to enjoy their rights, the judiciary should be free from the interference and control of both the executive and legislature.
4. Freedom of the press - The press should be free to serve as the watchdog for the rights ofthe citizens.
5. Activities of the opposition - The opposition whether in government or outside is a powerful instrument to protect the rights of the citizens.
6. Consciousness and vigilance of citizens over their rights.
7. Establishment of human rights commission e.g Ombudsman/ Public Complaints Commission.
8. Respect for international conventions on human rights.
9. Provision of legal aid i.e counsel or lawyers for poor citizens who cannot afford legal
10. Provision of social and economic facilities e.g schools, hospitals and employment opportunities.
11. Proper enforcement of law and order by the security agencies and community
12. Adherence to the doctrine of separation of powers with effective checks and balances.

REASONS   WHY   CITIZENS   OF A  STATE   SHOULD   PAY  TAXES  TO  THE GOVERNMENT.

1. It is to fulfil their civic duties to the government. Taxpaying is a civic duty of a citizen.
2. Payment of tax is an evidence of one's support and allegiance to the government. Itshows obedience and acceptance of a government by the people.
3. Sometimes a citizen may have to pay tax to enable him claim or clear his imported goods.
4. Tax may be paid to enable that citizen contest election e.g Chairmanship, House ofRepresentatives.
5. People pay tax to avoid persecution by law enforcement agents like the police.
6. Tax may have to be paid to enable the payer export his goods to other countries of theworld.
7. Citizens in a particular community do pay tax to attract government patronage, attention or obligation.
8. Citizens pay certain taxes to fulfil certain peculiar legal requirements e.g (PAYE) Pay As You Earn.
9. Taxable citizens pay tax to show that they are good and patriotic citizens.
10. Citizens may have to pay tax to control the volume of liquid cash (money) in circulation. It helps to curb inflation in the economy.
11. Tax may be paid by citizens to protect infant or domestic industries.
12. It helps the government to provide facilities/amenities to the people like water, good roads, electricity etc.
13. Tax helps the government to pay workers salaries and entitlements, to pay contractors etc e.g the minimum wage to worker.
14. Taxes are used to service both national/state debt thereby increasing government revenue is used to serviceNigeria's debts like International loan taking by the country.

FACTORS THAT LIMITS CITIZEN'S RIGHTS

1. A person condemned to death by courts of original/appellate jurisdiction for murder, armed robbery etc may be denied his right to life.
2. A citizen's freedom of movement may be denied if he/she is detained by law pending the determination of his/her case.
3. The right of a citizen to vote and to be voted for may be denied if such person(s) is a banned politician or not up to the voting age.
4. The laws of slander, libel and sedition limit the right of a citizen to freedom of expression.
5. The declaration of dusk to dawn curfew in times of emergency is another condition that may limit the right of a citizen to freedom of movement,
6. The police, for security reasons, canban public assembly, procession and demonstration which will deny a citizen his rights of assembly and association,
7. A citizen’sright to ownership of property may be infringed upon if government considers such property useful for developmental purpose e.g land, moveable and immoveable properties.
8. A citizen with unsound mind e.g lunatic may be deprived of his fundamental human rights.
9. A citizen may be denied some of his rights if he is isolated o n medical ground in order not to spread infectious or contagious disease.
10. The type of government in power may limit citizens rights for example, one party system.military regime etc
11. Right to private and family life can be limited by law enforcement brutality, ignorance,\ illiteracy, insanity, religion etc.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACITIZEN AND ANON-CITIZEN

1. Membership: Acitizen is a legal member of a country while £ non citizen is not.
2. Rights: A citizen enjoys full political rights while a non-citizen does not.
3. Employment: A citizen does not require a work-permit and can be employed in any sector of the economy whereas a non-citizen must obtain a work permit and may not be employed in prohibited sectors of the economy.
4. Allegiance: A citizen owes allegiance to the country while a non-citizen does not.
5. Duty: A non-citizen will not be ready to put his/her life in line indefence of a country of his/her domicile while a citizen will be ready to die for his/her nation.
6. Deportation: A non-citizen can be deported, repatriated or extradicted if the need arises while a citizen cannot.                                                                         
7. Residence: Acitizen has no fixed period of residence in the country, while a non-citizen has fixed period of residence subject to renewal.
8. Entry permit: A citizen does not need a visa to enter his/her own country, while a non-citizen requires a visa to enter the country,
9. Representation/delegation: A citizen can represent-the country in any delegation, while a non citizen cannot represent the country of his/her domicile.

REVISION QUESTIONS

1.          What are the duties of a citizen?

2.         How can citizenshipbe acquired?

3.         Explain six differences between a citizen and a non-citizen.

4.          How can people's political rights be safe guarded?