PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY
Welcome once again into our Tent of Knowledge!
We know you’ve been getting enlightened on your rights so far.
Last time, we learnt Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides for the right to freedom of expression and the press.
Today, we’ll be moving forward into Section 40!
Section 40 of the constitution provides for the right to freedom to peaceful assembly and association.
Every citizen has the right to create and join an assembly with group of persons. Individuals can join any association of their choice as this is their right!
As a citizen of this country, you can belong to any association of your choice, such an association can be a trade union, political party, pressure group or any organization that tends to promote peace and protection of the interest of the public.
Section 40 basically deals with the right of any person to belong to any society or associate with any person in pursuit of the interest of the public.
However, it is essential for us to understand that any of such assembly must be peaceful and promote public interest. Any association formed that tends to constitute nuisance or any form of rancor in the society is not accepted by the constitution.
This is why there is a restriction to the kind of association to be formed or which an individual can join.
In practice, you can join political parties; PDP, APC , NPC, AD, LABOUR PARTY etc. or trade union and pressure groups. These associations promotes peace in the society, unlike secret cults, which is usually known for causing disruption in peace and rancor in the society.
We must know that any organization or association that causes disorderliness is not to be created or joined.
We have come to the end of today’s lesson, we know you were enlightened
Do well to walk in the Knowledge of your rights and as always…
The goal is that lots of people come into the Knowledge of their rights, so please do well to share.
See you next time
Written by: Olayinka Aderinwale
Edited by: Esther Ude
Top image credit:https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/freedom-of-assembly-concept-icon-gm1270609792-373494792
