TOPIC: HUMAN RIGHTS

CONTENT: 1. DEFINITION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

2. LIMITATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS

SUB – TOPIC 1: DEFINITION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

1. Definition of human rights

Human rights are the inalienable rights and privileges enjoyed by the citizens of a state as codified in
the constitution. It refers to those rights human beings possess irrespective of their sex, religion, origin,
race and skin colour, which the government has the responsibility to protect.

UDHR is Universal Declaration of Human Rights which took place on December 10th, 1948 in Paris,
France. It is marked every 10th of December of every year. It was adopted by the United Nations
general assembly, and was pushed forward to be upheld by member countries. Such rights include:

i. Freedom from want – the right to food, clothing, housing and medical care

ii. Freedom of Worship - human being is free to practice the religion his choice.

iii. Freedom from fear – the right is social security. Human beings should feel protected and safe at
all times.

iv. Right of life.

v. Right to belong to any social group of your choice

vi. Right to form trade unions

 vii. Right to education

viii. Right to equal pay for equal work

We also have political right

a. Right to equality before the law whether poor or rich, educated or illiterate

b. Right to freedom of movement.

c. Freedom of speech and expression, thought, conscience, religion and opinions.

d. Right not to be subjected to torture

e. Right to fair trial

LIMITATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

1. Conviction in a law court: if a citizen is found guilty of armed robbery, treason or murder by a law
court, such citizen could be denied his or her rights to life by public execution.
2. Imposition of curfew: civil disorder in a state could lead to the state government imposing a curfew
3. State of emergency: a state of emergency is a temporary system of rules to deal with extremely
dangerous or difficult situations. This is usually declared by the president of a country when there is
total breakdown of law and order in a state, especially when there is an outbreak of civil war.
4. Slander, libel or sedition: The government could restrict the freedom of expression of citizens when
there is slander or sedition by individuals or libel by the press.
5. Children under eighteen years of age: A child that is under the age of eighteen years of age could be
denied voting rights. This is done with the thinking that such children are not yet mentally matured
enough to take critical decisions regarding issues of election and governance.
6. Health reasons: The right to freedom of movement of a citizen may be denied if he or she suffers from
insanity or any of the contagious diseases. Examples include people having psychiatric illness, leprosy,
small pox, etc.
7. Criminal acts: A citizen could be deprived of the rights to free movement if he or she is found guilty of
criminal acts such as stealing, drug or human trafficking, kidnapping, etc.
8. Right to fair hearing cannot be exercised beyond the highest court which is the supreme court in
Nigeria.
9. A citizen suffering from insanity or contagious disease may be deprived of his/her rights in other to
safeguard others.
10. Some public office holders such as the president, governor, parliamentarians, ambassadors, judges,
cannot cannot be sued while in office because they enjoy the protection of the law called “immunity
clause”
11. Court can also restrict the movement of a citizen if he/she has a serious case pending in court.
TOPIC: STATE OF EMERGENCY

CONTENT: 1. WHAT HAPPENS DURING EMERGENCY PERIOD

2. WAYS OF REDUCING EMERGENCY

A State of emergency can be defined as urgent situations that require the suspension of the constitution in
order to restore law and order. During periods of emergency government institutions such as the legislature,
executive and judiciary may not be able to carry out their regular functions and citizens may be restricted of
their human rights until the emergency is lifted.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING EMERGENCY PERIOD?

I. Partial constitution or temporal suspension of the constitution

2. The principles of rule of law may be ignored. 3. Movement may be restricted to certain areas or hours of the
day.

4. Some arrests can be carried out without any warrant.

5. There may be a restriction of freedom of expression and the press.

6. Human rights may be violated for the interest of security.

7. It can lead to the involvement of the military in politics.

WAYS OF REDUCING EMERGENCY

1. Respect for Constitution: In a society where people have respect for the constitution and laws of the land
there will be a reduction in emergency cases.

2. Promotion of Human Rights: Respect for human rights in conduct and relationship with other people will
reduce emergency cases in society.

3. Good Government: A situation where the government is responsive and responsible to the people there
may not be any need for an emergency.

4. Socio-economic Development: The provision of basic infrastructure can reduce the causes of emergency.
Where there is socio-economic development people are able to live in harmony with one another thereby
promoting peace and orderliness.

5. Public Enlightenment: People should be educated on the need to promote the social wellbeing of the
society. They should be taught their civic responsibilities to government and society at large.

6. Respect for Democratic Principles: A state where people have respect for democratic principles such as rule
of law, popular participation and fundamental rights there will reduction of emergency cases.
CONTENT: 1. MEANING OF DRUG AND DRUG ABUSE

2. TYPES OF DRUGS THAT CAN BE ABUSED AND HOW THEY ARE ABUSED.
What is Drug?

A drug can be defined as a substance used for the prevention or cure of ailments. It is a chemical preparation
for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of diseases or ailments. It can also be defined as any substance that
modifies biological, psychological and social behaviour. To a lay man, drug is synonymous with medicine. Drug,
when taken, if it changes the functioning of the body for good e.g. healing an ailment or disease, it is called
medicine, but if the changes produce bad effect, it is referred to as drug abuse.

Drugs are taken based on Doctors prescription. Drugs when taken may have other effects other than those
needed. Such effects are generally known as side effects

What is Drug Abuse?

Drug abuse is the non-medical use drugs that can alter mood or perception and have the ability to make the
user want to continue to use the drugs in spite of health, social and physical impairment. It can also be
referred to as the use of hard drug. A drug is said to be abused when it is taken without medical prescription.
It also involves indiscriminate use of any drug.

Drug abuse can also be defined as the use of illegal drugs in such a way that it may be harmful to the user or to
others. It is also the habitual use of drugs to alter one’s mood, emotion or state of consciousness. In addition,
drug abuse means an excessive or improper use of drugs, especially through self-medication for non-medical
purposes. Drug abuse could lead to addiction or dependence, serious physiological damage or injury, (such as
damage to kidneys, liver, heart, brain, etc) or psychological harm (such as dysfunctional behaviour patterns,
hallucination, memory loss, etc or even death. Drug abuse is also known as substance abuse.

It is important to state that most of the drugs prescriptions are not abused but rather “misused”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says that drugs are abused when;

1. Its use is not medically necessary or for non-medical purpose.

2. Its use is legally prohibited and
3. It is excessively and persistently self-administered.

Forms of Drug Abuse

1. Taking medicine without doctor’s prescription.

2. Misuse of prescription drugs
3. Taking prohibited substances like hard drugs, (e.g. cocaine and heroin, marijuana) to make them feel
‘high’.
4. Excessive ‘social drinking’ of alcohol, etc.
5. Heavy consumption of tobacco-cigarettes, cigars and snuff at a time.
6. Excessive consumption of substances such as coffee, kola-nuts to stay awake constitute drug abuse
7. Taking or inhaling of certain substances to enhance performance in sports or to become bold to face an
audience, or to get inspiration for creativity, is drug abuse
8. Taking fake, expired and wrong doses of drug.
SUB-TOPIC 2: TYPES OF DRUGS THAT CAN BE ABUSED AND HOW THEY ARE ABUSED

Types of drugs and how they are abused

1. Alcohol: Alcohol is abused when taken in excess, making the person insensible and intoxicated. Such
alcohols include ogogoro (illicit gin/unrefined spirit, beer, wine, brandy, whisky, palm wine, local
concursion, burukutu, etc. Alcohol is taken by drinking.
2. Stimulants: These are drugs that make one behave abnormally when taken excessively. These drugs
normally change one’s physiological state, thereby affecting the normal functioning of the nervous
system. Examples of stimulating drugs include cocaine, caffeine, heroin, cannabis, marijuana,
amphetamine, and methamphetamine. Some stimulants are either injected, or swallowed, or smoked or
snorted.
3. Inducement drugs: These are drugs that change one’s looks and behaviour and make one do things they
could not do ordinarily. Sex workers, destitute, armed robbers, are those who mostly use inducement
drugs. Also, inducement drugs can be used medically for patients undergoing surgery and can be used to
induce sleep to aid quick recovery from an ailment. Some inducement drugs are also stimulants such as
a. Cocaine: This is a whitish substance from cocoa leaves, when taken; it increases the energy
level and performance. It is usually swallowed.
b. Amphetamine: These are inducement drugs that cause increased confidence, performance,
talkativeness, energy abnormal quick response, etc. they are injected or swallowed, smoked or
snorted.
c. Cannabinoids: These are greenish leaves. When taken as tea or smoked, increases internal
stimuli, thereby making one intoxicated. Examples include, Marijuana, Hashish, etc.
d. Sedative Drugs: These are substances that induce one to sleep. They are used medically for
patients to make them sleep to quick recovery from sickness. They can be swallowed or
injected. Examples are Valium 5, Amytal, Phenobarbital, Rohypnol, etc.
e. Anabolic steroids: These are mostly used by athletes to increase their performance and gain
advantage over others. Examples include Anadrol, Oxendine, Durabolium. They can be injected,
swallowed or applied to the skin. Steroids use has been banned worldwide and serious
sanctions are placed on athletes caught in using them.
f. Inhalants: These are substances when taken, alters the body functions or behaviour such that
one feels on top of the world-feels high. Such substances include solvents, gasoline, glues,
solution, aerosol, etc. these are usually inhaled through the nose or mouth.
TOPIC: EFFECTS OF DRUGS AND DRUG ABUSE

CONTENT: 1. SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE.

2. BEHAVIOURS EXHIBITED BY DRUG ADDICTS.

SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE.

Drug abusers often try to downplay their drug use and hide their symptoms. Although different drugs have
different physical effects on their users, the symptoms of addiction or abuse are the same no matter the drug.
Here are some of the symptoms of drug abuse:

1. Isolation from family members (hiding in room, locking bedroom door and avoiding family activities.

2. Social activities occurring more often, sometimes at odd hours.

3. Memory lapses: they often lose their memory.

4. Exhibiting negative attitude towards rules and parents.

5. Thrill seeking behaviours – they involve in law breaking, promiscuity, pregnancy, and others.

6. Sneaking out of the house at odd hours.

7. Stealing and lying.

8. Disrespect to parents and to school authorities

9. Skipping class or school and dropping out of school activities.

10. Violent or threatening (verbal or physically)

11. Moodiness, irritability or nervousness.

13. Membership of secret cult

14. Talking about attempting suicide

15. Shop lifting or stealing from family members.

16. Spending large sums of money and asking for money always.

17. Lack of motivation and poor performance in school.

18. Weight changes or unusual eating patterns (type of food, time of day, etc)

19. Frequency use of eye drops for blood shot eyes.

20. Makes friendship with drug users and drug sellers

21. Death or disability.

22. Homicides i.e. Murders

23. Psychological trauma and brain damage or disorders

SUB – TOPIC 2: BEHAVIOURS EXHIBITED BY DRUG ADDICTS.

Drug addicts usually exhibit some form of behaviours such as:

1. Drug addicts may have poor relationship with other members of the society due to harmful effects of
such drugs.

2. They may have reduction in productivity in places of work due to the weakness of the body.

3. Such people may not be able to sleep well, especially when they take more than the required doses.
4. There may be reduction in the stress tolerant level.

5. There may also be a reduction in self-esteem as such a person may feel neglected by the people who
may not want to associate with him or her.

6. It may result in medical problem high blood pressures due to harmful effects of the drug taken.

7. It may lead to mental problem like schizophrenia.

8. It may also lead to nausea and dizziness:

9. There may be frequent mood swing as many types of behaviours can be exhibited by such people.

10. There may be loss of sense of control.

11. Drug addicts are usually morally bankrupt and decadent.

12. Drug addicts are criminally minded.

13. They serve as threat to the peaceful co-existence of the nation.

14. They are usually responsible for lawless behaviours in the society

1. WAYS OF PREVENTING DRUG ABUSE.

2. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES THAT ARE WORKING TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE

 WAYS OF PREVENTING DRUG ABUSE.

The following among others are means by which drug abuse can be prevented.

1. Drug education should be emphasized in our schools and colleges.

2. Parents, guardians and others should re-orient their children on the negative effects of drug abuse on
their health and the society.

3. Government agencies in charge of drug and food NDLEA and NAFDAC must intensity their anti-drug
campaigns in order to have drug-free society.

4. Sensitization and awareness campaigns for the youths on the consequence of drug abuse should be
organized regularly.

5. Sponsorship of media programmes to enlighten the populace about the dangers of drug abuse.

6 Government should ban sale of hard drugs in the markets, buses and public places.

7. People should avoid the use of drugs without medical prescription in order to ensure safety of their
lives.

8. People should exercise their body to relief stress and to lift their mood.

9. Values of the society regarding good conduct should be applied

10. People should rely on their personal effort rather than using performance enhancing drugs in
competition.

11. Creation of job opportunity

12. Parents should live an exemplary life

SUB – TOPIC 2: GOVERNMENT AGENCIES THAT ARE WORKING TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE

A. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency

The National Drug Law Enforcement agency was established by the promulgation of Decree No 2 of 1989 now
Act of Parliament. It was aimed at exterminating illicit drug trafficking and consumption in the Nigerian
Society. In Nigeria, by Decree No. 2 of 1989, the government of Nigeria enacted a low attracting death penalty
for drug traffic offenders.

Function of the NDLEA

1. The co-ordination of all drug laws and enforcement of such laws.

2. Adoption of measures to identify, trace, freeze and confiscate proceeds derived from drug related
offences.

3. Adoption of measures to eradicate illicit cultivation of narcotic plants and to eliminate illicit demand
for narcotic drugs.

4. Collaborating with governmental bodies both within and outside the country in carrying out its
functions.

5. Taking charge, supervising, controlling and coordinating arrest, investigation, prosecution of all
offences relating with illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

6. it investigate people suspected to have dealings with hard drug and enforce law against cultivation,
processing , sales and use of hard drug

7. It educate the public on the effect of hard drug

8. It provide guideline, approve and monitor advertisement of drugs

B. National Agency for Food Drug Administration and control (NAFDAC)

The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and control (NAFDAC) established by Decree No 15
of 1993 as amended is to regulate and control quality standards for foods, cosmetics, medical devices,
chemicals, detergents and packaged water imported or manufactured locally and distributed in Nigeria.
NAFDAC was formally inaugurated by Prof. Olukoye Ransome Kuti, the Minister of Health, under the
government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Functions

1. Regulate and control the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale and
use of drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water and chemicals.
2. To make approved designed specifications for the effective control of quality of foods drugs, cosmetics,
medical devices, chemicals and bottled water and their raw materials.

3. To pronounce on the safety and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, bottled water and
chemicals other appropriate analysis.

4. Ground authorization for the import export of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

5. Collaboration with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in measures to eradicate drug abuse in
Nigeria.

6. Approve and monitor the advertisement of food drugs cosmetics, medical devices, etc.

7. Registration of products by NAFDAC saves people from buying fake and dangerous food, drugs,
medical devices, chemicals, water, etc.

8. It compiles and publish relevant data on food, drugs etc

LAWS THAT ARE PROMULGATED AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

Laws are rules and regulations which everyone in a society must obey. Drug laws are those laws which are
related to the issue of drugs.
Below are some actions which constitute offences against the National Drug Law Enforcement Act, and the
penalty for such action.
1. Any person who imports, manufactures, produces, possesses, plants or grows hard drugs will be
sentence to life imprisonment
2. Any person who uses hard drugs by smoking, inhaling or injecting them, will be sentenced to a jail term
of not less than 15 years but not more than 25 years.
3. Any person who allows his premises to be used as a store house for hard drugs will be sentenced to jail
for not more than 25years
4. Any person who conspires with drug traffickers and hard drug users or assists them will be sentenced
to prison for at least 15 years and at most 25 years
TOPIC: FORMATION OF POPULAR ORGANISATIONS

1. How popular organizations are formed

2. Roles of popular organizations/Political parties

HOW POPULAR ORGANIZATIONS ARE FORMED

Popular organizations are those organized groups whose membership cuts across different areas of the
society with clearly defined objectives. An example is a political party. As an organized group, a political party
is an association of people with a similar political ideology whose major objective is to contest elections and
gain political power in order to obtain control of the government.

The formation of a political party can take the following forms:

1. Socio-Cultural Organization: Many political parties started as cultural organizations. The Action Group (AG)
started as a cultural association known as Egbe Omo Oduduwa while the Northern People's Congress (NPC)
sprang up from a popular Northern cultural association called JamiyyaMutanemArewa.

2. Religious Organizations: Political parties can be formed based on religious beliefs and doctrines. This is
common in countries wherea particular religion is predominant. Examples of such associations are Christian
Democratic Union in Germany and the Muslim League in Pakistan. Countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and
Israel are nations where political parties are formed based on religious beliefs.

3. The government in Power: The government in power may decide to form or create political parties for the
country. Former president, General Ibrahim Babangida formed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National
Republican Convention (NRC) that contested the 1993 elections.

4. Labour Organizations: Labour Organizations can transform into a political party that seeks to promote the
interest of the organization. Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria and the Workers' Solidarity Party in Indonesia are
examples.

5. Constitution: The constitution defines the party system in any state. It also determines the requirements for
the formation of any

ROLES OF POPULAR ORGANIZATIONS/POLITICAL PARTIES

1. They help to promote democratic principles.

2. They ensure the accountability of government officials.

3. They promote a peaceful change of government.

4. They bring about unity among different groups and interests.

5. They serve representatives. as watchdogs on elected

6. They provide political education to the public.

7. They provide welfare and humanitarian services.