Traffic Regulations

Definition of  Concept

Traffic regulations are laws and rules which govern traffic, regulate vehicles and facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic.

Traffic on the road may consist of pedestrians, ridden or herded animals. Moto-cycles, vehicles, streetcars, and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purpose of travel.

Traffic Signs

Road signs are symbols which help road user gain full information about the road. In order to avoid accidents. These signs grouped.

1.Regulatory signs: These are signs that appear often in circular shapes. They are divided into

     (a). Mandatory regulatory signs: Mandatory regulatory signs appear with blue circles but without red border such as diversion signs, roundabout signs, etc.

 (b). Prohibitive Regulatory signs: They are signs with red and yellow circles. They are stop sign, No light sign, etc. The color red for regulatory signs as a background color to denote restriction and as a circular outline and diagonal bar a prohibitory symbol.

2.Informative Signs: They are provided to give required information to road users, they appear rectangular in shape. It is a very legibly printed and very noticeable placard that informs people of the purpose of an object or gives them instruction on the use of something.

Some Traffic rules and regulations

1. Do not drink and drive: Users of the road should avoid taken alcohol before and while driving.

2.Vigilance: Pedestrians crossing roads should be vigilant in order not to cause accidents.

3. Avoid hands-free/ earpiece: All road users are required to avoid all forms of hand-free/ earpiece as this may not allow them to hear well and concentrate.

4. Wearing of seat belt: Motorists are expected to wear the seat- belt whenever they are driving, passengers should also use the belt when they are provided.

5. Making calls while driving: Making and receiving calls should be avoided while driving as this can cause distraction and lead to accidents.

6.Use of trafficator: Road users should trafficate before entering or leaving the road to indicate and create awareness for other vehicles coming behind; this will help to avoid accidents.

7.Bridges and zebra crossing point: Pedestrians should use pedestrian bridges or zebra crossing points where they are provided.

The Third and Fourth Republics Political Parties: Development of Political Parties in Nigeria III

Social Democratic Party (SDP)Organizational Structure

The Social Democratic Party of Nigeria, popularly known as SDP was a political party created to encompass the ideals of a center-left political organization. It was one of the products of democracy project by former President Ibrahim Babangida to have two detribalized political parties, one a little to the left and one for the right.

However, it was seen as a moderate party with a flavor for young radical intellectuals and socialists. In its manifesto, it called for concerted efforts to improve the people’s welfare and fight for social justice.

The People’s Front of Nigeria, People’s Solidarity Party, and the Nigerian Labour Party were the three main inchoate groups that emerged to form the core constituency of the new SDP. The leadership of the party was mostly dominated by Northern Nigerians, with Babagana Kingibe elected party chairman in 1990 over his rival Mohammed Arzika.

M.K.O Abiola, SDP Presidential candidate

Objectives of SDP

To ensure equal opportunities for all Nigerians at all levels.

On the other hand, the electoral strength of the party lain in the Yoruba states and Imo and Anambra states. The party won 57% of the Senate seat in the 1992 National Assembly election, and won 53% of the seats of the House of Representatives in the same election.

Performance of SDP

In its primary elections, Yar’adua collated about 480,000 votes dominating his primary opponent, Olu Falae in the first round. Another financier, Abiola (a former member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons and chairman of the National Party of Nigeria) won the primary election in March 1993, after the first election was canceled. Abiola’s contested the national election which was later annulled, a seemingly coherent legacy of Nigeria’s swiveling and revolving door like political landscape.

National Republican Convention (NRC) Organizational structure

The National Republican Convention established by the government of General Ibrahim Babangida and ultimately disbanded by the incoming military regime of General Sani Abacha in 1993.

Bashir Othman Tofa NRC Presidential Candidate

Objectives of NRC

The party was organized to cater to the conservative-leaning of some Nigerians. It flourished in the core Northern states and eastern states of Abia and Enugu.

However, many felt there was little difference between the party and its competitor, the Social Democratic Party, another government-created party. Both parties were under the supervision of the military government and most of its presidential candidates favored a continuation of the Structural Adjustment Programme of the Babangida administration.

The party was largely an amalgamation of three major organizations, the Liberal convention, the Nigeria National Congress, and the federalists.

Performance of NRC

In its first presidential primary, the race was dominated by a few prominent Hausa- Fulani leaders Adamu Ciroma, a former minister and former governor of the central bank was its leading candidate; he collected about 270,000 votes, Umaru Shinkafi, came in second with bout 250,000.

Prof. Humphrey Nwosu National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairman in 1993 Elections

National Symbols and their meaning.

Meaning of National Symbols

National symbols are marks, signs, and objects for which the country is known/recognized. Examples of these natural symbols are the constitution, map pledge, Anthem, flag, coat of arms, currency, and passports.

Meaning of Coat of Arms

The Coat of Arms: It is also called Armorial Bearing. The coat of arms has a black shield which shows that it has fertile soil. The two silver bends look like the letter “y” which represents rivers Niger and Benue. The eagle on top stands for strength and the two stallions (horses) by the sides stand for dignity. The motto of the country is unity and faith, peace, and progress.

Meaning of National flag

The flag is divided into three equal parts, the green stands for the rich (soil) agriculture while the white stands for peace and unity of the country. The national flag is designed by Mr. Taiwo Akinkunmi.

Meaning of National Currency

The Nigerian Currency: They are in different units called kobo (lower) and Naira (higher) denominations.                                            

They bear different symbols/pictures of Nigerians and their cultural heritage (e.g. N50 – Wazobia)

The meaning of the seven core freedom of UDHR

The Seven Core Freedom of UDHR

They are those rights that concern individuals directly and influence their peaceful existence as human beings either within or outside their country. The freedoms include the following:

1.Freedom from Discrimination: Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, etc.

2.Freedom from Fear: Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal in the determination of his rights and obligations and or any criminal charge against him.

3.Freedom of want: Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property. Men and women of full age, without limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to form a family.

4.Freedom of Religion and conscience: Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience and religion, this right include freedom to change his religion or beliefs either alone or in community with others in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.

The Judiciary

5. Freedom of Assembly: Everyone has the freedom to take part in any gathering that one wishes.

6. Freedom of Association: Everyone has the right to freedom to peaceful assembly and association. No one may be compelled to belong to an association. Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work, and for protection against unemployment.

7. Freedom of Thought, Belief, Opinion and Expression: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, this includes freedom to hold opinion without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of international boundaries.

Human Rights Values

Importance of Fundamental Human Right

Human rights are important in the relationships that exist between individuals and the government that has power over them. The government exercises power over its people. However, human rights mean that this power is limited. States have to look after the basic needs of the people and protect some of their freedoms. Some of the most important features of human rights are the following:

•it is for everyone.

•They are internationally guaranteed.

•They are protected by law.

•They focuses on the dignity of the human being.

•They protect individuals and groups.

•They cannot be taken away.