- That
“419” is actually a section of the Nigerian Criminal Code that
indicates the offence of obtaining goods by false pretence and its punishment.
- That
it is an offence to dig/construct a borehole without a valid licence from the
Minister of Natural Resources. So when considering to dig a borehole or go
fetch water from that Oga’s house, be aware that you both
could be arrested, courtesy of Sections 9-11 of the Water Resources
Act.
- The
shortest law in Nigeria is possibly the Financial Year Act. The
Law simply defines what consists of a Financial Year (January 1- December 31)
and “datsall”, finish!
- The
Nigerian Constitution expressly encourages inter-ethnic
marriage. Sec. 15 (3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution says ” …it
shall be the duty of the State to encourage inter-marriage among persons from
different places of origin, or of different religious, ethnic or linguistic
association or ties;… This should provoke thoughts on the traditions of some
states or tribes to only intra marry and never marry “outside”.
- The
Nigerian Government’s primary purpose is “provision of security, welfare”. It
is therefore not a favour granted Nigerians but our rights. So says Sec.
14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
- There
is a law expressly against use of Army colour green on regular vehicles.
Whenever we are tempted to swag in camouflage or Army colour
green, remember you are contravening Section 1 of
the Army Colour Prohibition of Use Act.
- That
all forms of corrupt practices and abuse of power actually ought to be
abolished by the Government. Sec 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution states
that this is a political objective of the State.
- There
is no existing law or statute providing for the display of pictures of the
President and Governors on the walls of organizations.
- Gaming
machines are illegal in Nigeria. So when you watch those Hollywood movies with
scenes of jackpot being played, be reminded that you cannot afford such a
“luxury” in Nigeria. Gaming Machines (Prohibition) Act.
-
That
it is illegal to not display signboards of companies. Section 548 of
CAMA provides that every company is to have painted and affixed (and
very legibly too), its name and registration number placed in a very
conspicuous position for all to see and know who and what you are. However,
certain omissions (not failures o) probably should be considered. This is given
the level of insecurity and exorbitant taxes levied against companies of
certain status and located in certain areas; the ubiquitous presence of the agberos, ever
willing to squeeze out irrelevant fees solely assessed by them.
- It
is illegal to appoint persons predominantly of a particular State, region. Section
14(3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution state that such appointments
(Federal or otherwise) should be done to “reflect the federal character of
Nigeria… to promote national unity… to command national loyalty, thereby
ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few States or
from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its
agencies.” Also, “The composition of the Government of a State, a local
government council, or any of the agencies of such Government or council, and
the conduct of the affairs of the Government or council or such agencies shall
be carried out in such manner as to recognise the diversity of the people
within its area of authority and the need to promote a sense of belonging and
loyalty among all the peoples of the Federation”.
By – Ahudiya Ukiwe
Photo Credit – www.ukfieldvolunteer.org.uk