RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP

According to the Cambridge English dictionary, citizen is a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular town or city.

WAYS OF ACQUIRING CITIZENSHIP IN NIGERIA

Citizenship can be acquired in Nigeria by;

1. Birth
2. Registration
3. Naturalization

Citizenship by Birth:- This refers to any person born in Nigeria before the date of independence whose parents or grandparents belong to a community in Nigeria. This can be found in section 24 of constitution of federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
Citizenship by Registration:- Subject to the provisions of section 28 of this constitution , a person whom the president is satisfied that he has a good character and he shows clear intention of his desire to be domicile in Nigeria.
It can also apply to a woman who is or has been married to a citizen of Nigeria or any one born outside Nigeria whose grandparents is a citizen of Nigeria.
Citizenship by Naturalization:- Is the legal act or process by which a non-citizen in a country may acquire citizenship or nationality of that country. It may be done by a status without any effort on the part of the person or it may involve an application and approval by legal authorities. The fundamental rights of citizens are well written out in the Nigeria constitution. For every person who enjoys rights, there are responsibilities.

That brings us to today’s topic: RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP.
First and foremost, what are responsibilities of citizenship?

“Responsibilities is the state or fact of being responsible, answerable or accountable for something within ones power, control or management “

Responsibility is a duty or obligation to satisfactorily perform or complete task {assigned} by someone or created.
In section 24 of the Nigeria constitution, the responsibilities of a citizen states that:

1. Every citizen must abide by the constitution, respect its ideals and institution, obey the National flag, National anthem whenever it is rendered, obey the National pledge and give respect to the legitimate authorities
2. Render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order.
3. It is the obligation of every citizen to enhance the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria, defend Nigeria and render such National service as may be required
   A good citizen will avoid anti-social behavior such as destruction of public property, tribalism and cultism. He / She will report law breakers to the appropriate authority and will not take the law into his own hands. He will also report any notice damage of public facilities to the appropriate agency for prompt actions, for example damage water pipes, oil spillage, electric wire cut.
   This civic responsibilities are highlighted in the two epistles Romans and 1st Peter
   Romans13 verse 1 - 7. The letter to the romans brings out very clearly some of the points mentioned above for good citizenship. It points out that all authorities are instituted by God. Therefore, to resist authority means to resist God. Rulers or those in government are there to keep order and so are friends of law abiding citizens. Those who do evil will be prepared to take the consequences. People should obey the laws not just to avoid the punishment, but also to satisfy their conscience.
   1st peter 2 vs 13 - 17 Peter called on the people to obey every human institution for the Lords sake. They are those sent by God to punish the wrongdoers and praise those who do right. A good citizen is a servant of God. He lives as a freeman, but does not use his freedom as a cover up to do evil. He honors all men, loves the brotherhood of Christians, fears God and honor the rulers. Titus 3:1 Here God is telling the people to be subjective and obedience to the authorities and to be ready to do good work.
4. Make positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress and well being of the community where he resides. For example, participating in political process .It is the duty of citizen of voting age to vote during election. Even in the bible, God is not ignorant of voting. In the book of Deuteronomy 1 vs 13, God told the Israelite to choose experienced men from their tribe and he will appoint them as heads over the people.
5. Declare his income honestly to appropriate and lawful agencies and pay his tax promptly. It is the duty and responsibility of every adult citizen to pay taxes, levies, electric bill and other dues promptly and regularly to the appropriate authorities. In the book of Matt 22:21 when the Pharisees asked Jesus whether it was lawful for Jesus to pay taxes to Caesars, Jesus told them that it is desirable for Christians to submit to earthly authority and to give God what is for God Romans 13 vs 6 - 7, Matt 17 vs 24 - 26 ,Luke 3 vs12 - 13
6. Respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood 1st Peter 2 vs 7 which says honor all men. Love the brotherhood, Fear God. Hon our the king. Phil 2 vs 2, Ephesians 4 vs 2 – 3, John 17 vs 20 - 23

In conclusion, all, both government and the subjects have duties to perform for the stability of the society.

Government has to maintain peace and order for the welfare of the citizens.
Rulers as Gods agents have to enforce the laws, love their subjects, encourage law abiding citizens and punish the evil doers

Citizens should therefore strive to be chide of God, who cooperates with the authorities, pay taxes and rates, and give honor or respect to whom honor is due.

Finally, citizens should be law abiding, to avoid the wrath of God and satisfy their conscience and love one another.
Thank you for Listening