Publication

The concept of human rights is based on the premise that all individuals are entitled to dignity, respect, and the sanctity of life. Hence, bullying of any form is a blatant violation of fundamental rights as it leaves victims terrified, vulnerable, and, in extreme cases, dead. Bullying can be in various forms. Physical bullying, social bullying, cyber-bullying, and verbal bullying. It is aimed at causing and instigating fear and anxiety.

Recently, bullying seems to be an acceptable conduct employed by aggrieved citizens to resolve grievances. Sometimes, in October, a disturbing video on the social media platform X went viral, showing acts of bullying by a supposed honorable member of the federal legislative assembly for being asked to come outside and pick up his package from a delivery man. In another video, according to Sahara Reporters, an Army General was seen bullying two civilians for overtaking his vehicle on a highway.

There is no law in Nigeria that makes overtaking an offense. Neither is it offensive for a delivery man to ask a receiver of the goods to be delivered to step outside his premises to receive delivery. Even if any of these conducts complained of were to be offenses, it is wrong for anyone to take the law into their own hands. The conduct of the duo is not only illegal, but it is also not befitting of the status of a legislator and that of an Army General. I consider it to be a National disgrace that should be frowned upon.

The Nigerian constitution clearly provides that anyone who feels that their rights have been violated should seek redress in court. Resorting to bullying is a violation of fundamental Human Rights. This conduct should not be encouraged, as it has grave consequences for Nigeria as a country. The actions of the legislator and the top military officer reinforce the stereotype that Nigeria is a lawless country where the rich often oppress the poor without any consequences.

There is no justification whatsoever for bullying another citizen for lawfully using the highway. It is absurd that we live in a society where the people who should uphold the law are at the forefront of breaking the law.
Nigeria is a democratic state that claims to be governed by the rule of law. We must recognize the inherent value and dignity of every human being and strive to create a nation where all individuals can thrive without fear of intimidation or harm.