Right to life: tackling the ‘little foxes that spoil the vine’

Abstract

The article critically discusses the notion of the right to life as constitutionally protected in Nigeria. It argues that the right to life is the prerequisite for the total attainment of human dignity and the effective exercise of all human rights. Thus, as the article articulates, the protection of the right to life is not just a matter of national concern as the recognition and protection of this right is also fundamental to the global human rights system. Notwithstanding the national, regional or global flavour enjoyed by the right to life, it was discovered in the article that there are some factors which, like the ‘little foxes that spoil the tender vine,’ may impede the full actualisation of this protected right by an individual. The identified endangering elements include, but not limited to, the practice of jungle justice system, terrorism/kidnapping, sicknesses/diseases, automobile crashes, extra-judicial killings through rascality by overzealous government security operatives, domestic violence and environmental pollution. The article concludes with some suggestions and recommendations towards the amelioration of the identified problems so as to render the right to life meaningful to the citizens.

Keywords: Abortion, Euthanasia, Freedom of Worship, ‘Jungle Justice’ System, Right to Life