Which of the following is a fundamental right? Right to

Analyze the question: The question asks which option is a fundamental right. In Government, fundamental human rights are the basic, constitutionally guaranteed rights that every citizen enjoys. In Nigeria they are set out in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution.

Concept: The fundamental rights in Chapter IV include:

• Right to life (Section 33)
• Right to dignity of the human person (Section 34)
• Right to personal liberty (Section 35)
• Right to fair hearing (Section 36)
• Right to private and family life (Section 37)
• Freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Section 38)
• Freedom of expression and the press (Section 39)
• Freedom of peaceful assembly and association (Section 40)
• Freedom of movement (Section 41)
• Freedom from discrimination (Section 42)
• Right to own property (Section 43)

Checking each option:

• A. Life. This is the first and most basic fundamental right, guaranteed by Section 33. ✔
• B. Education. In Nigeria this appears in Chapter II, as a directive principle of state policy (Section 18). It is not enforceable in court, so it is not a fundamental right.
• C. Criticize government. This is a part of freedom of expression, but it is not listed as a fundamental right in its own name. The fundamental right is "freedom of expression and the press."
• D. Public office. This is a political right or civic privilege, with conditions such as age and qualifications. It is not listed among the fundamental rights.

Answer: The right to life is the clearest and most direct fundamental right, so the answer is A.

Exam tip: Remember that Chapter IV of the Constitution covers fundamental rights, which can be enforced in court, while Chapter II covers directive principles such as education, which cannot. When an option is a specific, named right in Chapter IV, such as life, liberty or fair hearing, choose it.