Which of the following is not an obligation of a citizen?

Analyze the question: We need the option that is NOT an obligation of a citizen. An obligation is a duty a citizen is expected or required to carry out for the state and society.

Explain the concept: In Government, citizens have rights (things they are entitled to) and obligations (duties they owe the state). Common obligations include:

• Paying taxes and levies
• Obeying the laws of the land
• Voting in elections (a civic duty)
• Protecting public property
• Loyalty to the nation
• Respecting the rights of others
• Participating in national development and, where required, defending the country

Go through the options:

• A. Payment of taxes: This is a legal obligation. Citizens must pay taxes to fund government projects. So it is an obligation.
• B. Voting in an election: This is regarded as a civic duty and moral obligation, even though it is not compulsory in Nigeria. It is a standard obligation in WASSCE Government. So it is an obligation.
• C. Protecting public property: Public facilities such as roads, schools and hospitals belong to everyone, so citizens must protect them. So it is an obligation.
• D. Attending religious gatherings: Nigeria is a secular state with freedom of religion (Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution). A person may choose to worship or not, so attending religious gatherings is a right or personal choice, not a duty owed to the state. So it is not an obligation.

Answer: D. Attending religious gathering.

Tip: Ask yourself, "Does the state require or expect this for the good of the society?" If the answer is no and it is a personal freedom, such as religion, association or movement, it is a right, not an obligation. Remember the key obligations as T-O-V-P: Taxes, Obedience to laws, Voting, Protecting public property.