Ways to Safeguard Citizens’ Rights

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Rights of the citizens can be safeguarded in the following ways:

(i) Stating fundamental human rights clearly in the constitutionA constitution is a set of fundamental rules that determine how a country or state is run. More ensures the protection of these rights.

(ii) Independence of the judiciaryThe judicial branch of government refers to a country’s court system. Judiciaries are responsible for interpreting and applying a country’s laws in particular cases, and can also be invested with the... More is another way to protect fundamental human rights. Fundamental human rights are best safeguarded when the judiciary is free to carry out its functions without any form of interference from the executiveThe executive, also referred to as the executive branch or executive power, is the term commonly used to describe that part of government which enforces the law and has overall responsibility... More and legislatureThis refers to a group of people called legislators who are responsible for making laws and are elected by the country's population. The legislative branch of government is responsible for making... More.

(iii) Respect for the principles of the rule of law by the government will guarantee civil liberty and equality for all citizens. 

(iv) Adherence to the doctrine of separation of powerThis refers to the division of a democratic government into different arms of government, i.e the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, each to perform their administrative duties and responsibilities without undue infringement... More with effective checks and balancesIn Nigeria, the principle of checks and balances helps to ensure that no single branch of government (executive, legislative, or judicial) becomes too powerful. More also guarantees the rights of citizens.

(v) Fundamental human rights are best guaranteed under a democratic system of government than in any other type of government.

(vi) Freedom of the press serves as a watchdog for the