INDIGENESHIP AND RESIDENCY RIGHTS IN THE 1999 CONSTITUTION: MYTH OR REALITY?

Abstract

This paper is borne out of the practical realities on ground with respect to residency indigeneship rights provision in the Constitution. We cannot shy away from discriminatory practices against the citizens in their country. Apart from states like Lagos where non indigenes can hold political or elective offices in the government across different levels of representation, it is difficult for non – indigenes to either contest or enjoy certain privileges and rights which ordinarily should accrue to Nigerian citizens notwithstanding their place of residence. It is this burden which has prompted the short discourse this paper seeks to espouse. The aim of this paper is to identify the problem of Indigene – Settler Syndrome in Nigeria, the causes and effects and the need to proffer solutions to this social menace for national unity, integration and cohesion. The paper ends with recommendations for strengthening section 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria among other international instrument in this respect.