USA Africa Dialogue Series - The politics of “deportation” by Chido Onumah

In response to critics, the governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), was quoted as saying that, "While his government respects the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the constitution, none of them is absolute in the way that some 'experts' want the public to believe". I am a firm believer in and supporter of the rights of states. But when those rights are in conflict with the rights of the federation (as Nigeria is presently constituted), the latter ought to supersede.

As long as we claim to be the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my understanding is that the right of citizens to reside in any part of Nigeria is guaranteed and absolute. There is no other way of looking at it. If such citizens break the law, they are subject to the laws of their state of residence (and not the laws of their state of origin) and the laws of the federation if necessary.

Read more…http://www.chidoonumah.com/2013/08/the-politics-of-deportation.html#axzz2bMPfDXVg