REVIEW ARTICLE | Oct. 30, 2018
Addressing Minority Questions by Legal and Political Means: The Nigeria Example
Agbo Festus Okpoto
Page no 83-93 |
10.36348/sijlcj.2018.v01i04.001
The existence in a country of groups of people that radically differ in culture, population and ethnicity may almost always generate fears of domination of minority groups by the majority groups. This paper examines the legal and political steps taken by the Nigerian Government to protect the interests of minority groups within its borders. Efforts have been made to discuss such steps as: state creation; fundamental human rights; federal character; resources derivation, allocation and utilization; and commissions set up to carter for the welfare of the minority groups. A brief discussion of minority questions on international plane is, also, undertaken. In order to achieve the above stated goals, reliance has been placed on the Constitutions of Nigeria 1979 and 1999, statutes, judicial authorities, international legal instruments and practical experiences. This is followed with recommendations and conclusion
India and Pakistan fought three wars (1948, 1965, and 1971). In May - June1999, once again Kashmir became the focus of World attention when India and Pakistan fought a limited war in Kargil heights located in the valley. Kashmir issue has been discussed many times between India and Pakistan. On 2 July 1972 Shimla accord, signed by Indra Ghandi and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. On21 February 1999 the x-Prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and Atal Behari Vajpayee singed Lahore declaration .In July 2001 General Pervaz Musharaf visited India and attended Agra summit. When General Pervaz Musharaf took over the control of Pakistan, he changed the Kashmir policy, after9/11 Kashmir issue turned into a new and critical direction. India says Pakistan involves in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and on the other hand Pakistan without of the opinion and says that Kashmiris are fighting for their self determination
Implementation of PCPNDT Act strictly in past few years has created terror in mind of doctors who are operating imaging technology and infertility clinics. The terror is mainly due to criminal liability under the Act and adverse media publicity. Many doctors had to face criminal charges for trivial things like non-putting of Apron or nameplate, size of display board, clerical errors in filling of form etc. The punishment is serious in the form of imprisonment and penalty further leading to cancellation of medical practitioner licence. Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) has taken up the issue seriously and taking the issue to various courts to avoid unnecessary harassment of doctors. Various judgements have come and depicts the stern view of the Courts. The most effective precautionary measures are to maintain records scrupulously, fill the Form-F as provided in the Act, accurately and correctly, submit and maintain the records to the appropriate authority within the stipulated time. Although there is no gap between the intent of the legislature and stand of doctors. Both are in favour of stopping female foeticide and avoiding sex discrimination. Doctors need that PCPNDT Act should serve the intent of stopping sex determination but not as a harassment tool with authorities which is taking away doctor’s self-respect and giving nightmares