Paper for Issue

The Regulation of the Right to Freedom of Expression on Social Media in Nigeria

Abstract

The issue of whether or not the social media and its use should be regulated has been on the front burner for quite a while all over the world, Nigeria inclusive. This is no doubt connected with the fact that the social media has been one of the greatest avenues where the right to freedom of expression is highly exercised. Recent statistics reveal that there are about 4 billion social media users all over the globe with about 33 million being Nigerians. The social media has been attributed with commendable roles in world’s history, most especially the role it played during the Arab Spring and ENDSARS protests that took place in the Middle-East and Nigeria respectively. As pleasant as its good side is, the social media is not completely devoid of some ills that have plagued it, ranging from misinformation/fake news, cyberbulling, to cyberstalking, etc. These ills, if left unchecked may undermine peace and order in the society. While it is correct that the right to freedom of expression is fundamental and it is a means through which other rights can be enjoyed and articulated, it is agreed in all human rights instruments, both international and national that this right is not absolute. As it stands, Nigeria does not have a legislation in place to regulate the social media, although in the year 2019, “The Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill” was proposed. This work intends to show that there is an imminent need for the regulation of social media in Nigeria in the wake of the extreme uses it has been put to. This will be done by examining the impact of social media in the light of its pros and cons. This work will then examine and recommend ways to balance this right with its regulation on social media.

A World on the Brink of Hostilities: Striking a Balance between International Law and International Politics

Abstract

ABSTRACT Notwithstanding the sacrosanct provisions of Article 2 (4) of the UN Charter, hostilities motivated by national interest and international politics have always been a commonplace occurrence on the international scene. While States are expected to either refrain from hostilities or at least ensure that any hostilities in international relations are justified by indisputable international law principles, the trend around the globe seems to be moving in quite the opposite direction. This has thus raised questions as to whether States have indeed in practice been able to strike a balance between international law and international politics by ensuring adherence to strict principles of international law in their relationship with other States. Relying on this backdrop, this essay is a scholastic attempt at exploring the adherence of States to international law in instances where it conflicts with international politics and national interest, especially those interests only capable of being achieved through hostility. In doing this, it shall begin by conceptualizing relevant terms. It shall then proceed to explore trends of hostility across the international scene, particularly those manifestly occasioned by international politics, and examine how States have attempted to justify or align their decisions with international law. Finally, it shall conclude by providing recommendations poised to enhance the relevance and enforceability of international law and enforce the compliance of States’ decisions with it.

Fundamental Human Rights Enforcement Procedure in Nigeria and its Challenges

Abstract

Fundamental human rights are those rights that go to the core of the human existence, liberty and dignity. In essence, when they are infringed upon, it is the very existence of humans that is threatened. In Nigeria, these rights are entrenched in the whole of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution. Considering that the guarantee of fundamental human rights does not translate to its enforcement, enforcement of fundamental human rights are not easy tasks as they ought to be in this present day and time. Many people whose fundamental human rights have been, are being or likely to be infringed have little or no knowledge about these rights, thus are unable to seek redress. Furthermore, when the barricade of knowledge of these rights is shattered, there remains the hurdle of the proper procedure to be surmounted. In the procedure also, there are other challenges that have made the enforcement of fundamental human rights a daunting task in Nigeria. The work seeks to bring perspective to the procedure for enforcing fundamental human rights and the challenges that has plagued same in Nigeria, as well as proffer possible way of the problems. Keywords: Rights; Enforcement; Procedure; Challenges

Shadows of a Time Past: Reportage on the Incidences of War Commercialisation in Selected African Countries

Abstract

Nations go to war for numerous reasons, some of which are justifiable while others are egotistical. The African continent has had its fair share of conflict; even though mostly of an non-international nature, these conflicts are still very much alive in the many states that make up the continent. Foreign governments and corporations seem to have found fortunes in these misfortunes and have been capitalizing on the clusters of non-international armed conflicts as opportunities for pecuniary gains. The average African state has a weak and poorly armed military, hence, it is often the case that governments outsource this important task to private mercenaries, lobbyists and in rare case, other sovereign nations. This paper adopted the historiogaphical method to produce a detailed reportage of the incidences and activities of private mercenaries, lobbyists and other foreign interests profiteering from armed conflicts in selected African countries; Libya and Sierra Leone. The paper noted that the foundational cause of the weak state the average African military is not unconnected to colonization which on many fronts has caused retardation to both structural and idealistic Africa. The paper recommended that governments must begin the process of decolonization of the African legal order and that foreign governments and foreign mercenary groups must be held responsible for actions arising out of their actions during these conflicts.