The Value of Human Life in the Nigerian State

Abstract

This paper sets out to exam the ontological meaning of life based on the relationship that exists among the Nigerian citizens, government and its law enforcement agents. Down through the ages the scenario created by the Nigerian government and its law enforcement agencies in the careless mishandling of the citizens they swore to protect with their positions is becoming a terrific and an imaginable phenomenon. The insensitive mishandling of the citizens as low breed animals has forced people to ask whether life in Nigeria is a right or a privilege. The government and its law enforcement agencies in Nigeria are now playing God and assuming the position of God when dealing with the citizens. In Nigeria, fundamental human rights exist in shadows and utopic impressions of false hope. The absolute disregard for the fundamental human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria have led to man’s in-humanity to man in the country, insecurity, corruption, outright injustice, and mass exodus of the citizens to foreign lands where life is more secured. Using the historical and phenomenological methodologies, this paper examines the precarious nature of human life in the Nigerian State with historical facts, references and without bias, and further made some recommendations on how to navigate out of this uncivilized and barbaric system we presently find ourselves in the 21^st century.

Keywords: Life, Right, Bad leadership, Corruption, Nigerian State, Law Enforcement Agencies.