TAI SOLARIN UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

P.M.B. 2118, IJAGUN, IJEBU ODE.

NAME: OGUNBIYI OLAYINKA YETUNDE

MATRIC NO: 20200104177

LEVEL: 300

COURSE CODE: SOS 313

COURSE TITTLE: HUMAN RIGHT AND CIVIC

EDUCATION

COURSE COMB: GCP/SOS

DEPARTMENT: GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING

PSYCHOLOGY
COLLEGE: COSPED

QUESTION

DISSECT THE ROLES OF ARMS OF GOVERNMENT LEGISLATURE,

EXECUTIVE AND JUDICIARY IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN
NIGERIA
 DISSECT THE ROLES OF ARMS OF GOVERNMENT LEGISLATURE,
EXECUTIVE AND JUDICIARY IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN
NIGERIA

In Nigeria, like in many other democratic countries, the enforcement of human rights
involves the collective efforts of the three arms of government: the legislature, the executive,
and the judiciary. Each arm has distinct roles in protecting and promoting human rights.
Which are below:

1. Legislature: The legislature in Nigeria is responsible for making laws. The National
Assembly, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is the highest
legislative body. The roles of the legislature in the enforcement of human rights include:

a) Legislation: The legislature has the power to enact laws that protect and promote human
rights. They can introduce bills, debate them, and pass them into law. For example, the
National Assembly can pass laws that prohibit discrimination, ensure freedom of expression,
protect the rights of marginalized groups, and establish mechanisms for addressing human
rights violations.

b) Oversight: The legislature conducts oversight functions to ensure that the executive
branch upholds human rights. They can summon government officials, including the
executive, to appear before committees and provide explanations regarding human rights
issues. Through this oversight function, the legislature holds the executive accountable for its
actions or inactions in enforcing human rights.

2. Executive: The executive branch of government in Nigeria consists of the President, Vice
President, and various ministries, departments, and agencies. The executive plays a crucial
role in the enforcement of human rights, including:

a) Implementation of laws: The executive implements and enforces laws passed by the
legislature. They are responsible for ensuring that human rights laws are effectively enforced,
and adequate resources are allocated to relevant institutions and agencies to promote and
protect human rights.

b) Policy-making: The executive formulates policies aimed at promoting and protecting

human rights. They can establish institutions, programs, and initiatives to address human
rights issues, such as establishing human rights commissions, creating anti-discrimination
policies, or implementing measures to combat human trafficking.

c) Investigation and prosecution: The executive has the authority to investigate and
prosecute human rights violations. This includes taking action against individuals or
institutions responsible for violating human rights, ensuring that perpetrators are held
accountable, and providing remedies to victims.

3. Judiciary: The judiciary is responsible for interpreting and applying the law. It ensures
that human rights are protected and upheld through the following roles:

a) Adjudication: The judiciary has the power to hear and decide cases involving human
rights violations. Individuals whose rights have been violated can seek legal redress by filing
cases in courts. The judiciary ensures that the rule of law is upheld, that human rights
violations are properly adjudicated, and that victims receive fair and just remedies.

b) Judicial review: The judiciary has the authority to review the constitutionality of laws and
actions taken by the executive or the legislature. This power enables the judiciary to strike
down laws or actions that are inconsistent with the constitution or violate human rights.

c) Interpretation of laws: The judiciary interprets laws, including human rights laws, to
provide clarity and guidance. They play a crucial role in ensuring that human rights laws are
consistently and correctly applied in legal proceedings.

In summary, the legislature enacts laws, conducts oversight, and ensures accountability; the
executive implements policies, investigates, and prosecutes violations; and the judiciary
interprets the law, adjudicates cases, and safeguards the rights of individuals. Together, these
arms of government work to enforce and protect human rights in Nigeria.