The concept of diplomatic immunity is an ancient idea based on a mutual understanding between dif... more The concept of diplomatic immunity is an ancient idea based on a mutual understanding between different societies. The idea that a society could send a person on their behalf to negotiate and argue for their cause has been a vital tool in the history of international relations. Since the beginning of civilization, states have recognized and upheld the sanctity of ambassadors, especially as regards the personal freedom and safety of envoys. Although there have been tremendous changes in the way nations interact with each other, the basic functions of diplomacy and their machinery have not changed. Indeed, the central features of diplomatic institutions have survived the fundamental shifts in the order and structure of international politics such as the surge of nationalism and democracy and the incorporation of non-European countries in the international system. Although the notion of diplomatic immunity has been continually adhered to by nations predating the codification of diplomatic law, increased globalization and inter-dependency between states has led to the development of customary International Law which has subsequently been codified to ensure that diplomatic immunity is held sacred till the end of times. In an attempt to properly understand and appreciate the broader concept of International Law, some of the most important privileges and immunities being enjoyed by diplomatic envoys are highlighted and discussed in this work. Keywords: Immunity, International Law, The Vienna Convention, Inviolability.
This paper introduces the almajiri and the almajiri system from a historical lens, tracing the ad... more This paper introduces the almajiri and the almajiri system from a historical lens, tracing the adoption and evolution of the system in the Bilad as-Sudan until its subsequent disintegration and collapse. We highlight the interplay of factors leading to its transformation from a system churning out leaders in all aspects of the society to a dysfunctional factory for child neglect and abuse, outputting unemployed and unemployable citizens. We also discuss the perception of the system among various actors in the society and the apparent romanticizing of the noble almajiri against the wayward 'dan boko'. Finally, we try to understand the collapse of the system while raising questions about its future, primarily in Northern Nigeria. Keywords: Almajiri, Northern Nigeria, Education, Colonialism
It has been seen that in most of the variables we have analyzed, Nigeria and the US are light yea... more It has been seen that in most of the variables we have analyzed, Nigeria and the US are light years apart. Top of the agenda is industrialization. As discussed in the analysis, for any meaningful development to be achieved, stable electricity, a working steel industry, peace and security as well as a reasonable level of human capital are basic requirements. Similarly, we have seen that both countries are large in terms of size and heterogeneity but it is the US that is maximizing the benefit of population and diversity through the spread of taxes and government expenditure per head and a system of government that allows regional governments to govern themselves and control their resources. On the contrary, Nigeria struggles to provide basic educational and health facilities to its teaming population hence there's a growing frustration and call for restructuring. The next section discusses these differences and similarities in details followed by a conclusion and recommendations.
The issue of liability continues to be a critical aspect in every professional field. The duty of... more The issue of liability continues to be a critical aspect in every professional field. The duty of care forms the basis of the entire relationship between a professional and a lay man. In this discourse, an attempt was made to highlight the position of the law on the issue of liability of a legal practitioner in Nigeria, particularly for the conduct of a case in the face of the court. The rationale for the old common law position was discussed considering the circumstances prevailing at that point in time. Based on the premise that one of the most important characteristics of law is its dynamic nature, argument was then advanced highlighting the impracticability of maintaining that position in the 21 st century in the face of increased commercialization, globalization and industrialization. A comparison was drawn between the English legal system and the Nigerian legal system and it was submitted that there is no longer any public policy justification for maintaining the courtroom immunity for barristers. Unfortunately, there is still a belief amongst the legal circle in Nigeria that an advocate can get away with whatever quality of performance he/she exhibits in the face of the court. This has led to intellectual laziness and a lack of enthusiasm for the one-time cherished courtroom advocacy especially amongst young advocates. It was also argued that as a matter of public policy there is a desire for uniformity of liability among all professions. Finally, the position of the law on the issue in different countries (both developing and developed) was highlighted and discussed briefly.
The concept of diplomatic immunity is an ancient idea based on a mutual understanding between dif... more The concept of diplomatic immunity is an ancient idea based on a mutual understanding between different societies. The idea that a society could send a person on their behalf to negotiate and argue for their cause has been a vital tool in the history of international relations. Since the beginning of civilization, states have recognized and upheld the sanctity of ambassadors, especially as regards the personal freedom and safety of envoys. Although there have been tremendous changes in the way nations interact with each other, the basic functions of diplomacy and their machinery have not changed. Indeed, the central features of diplomatic institutions have survived the fundamental shifts in the order and structure of international politics such as the surge of nationalism and democracy and the incorporation of non-European countries in the international system. Although the notion of diplomatic immunity has been continually adhered to by nations predating the codification of diplomatic law, increased globalization and inter-dependency between states has led to the development of customary International Law which has subsequently been codified to ensure that diplomatic immunity is held sacred till the end of times. In an attempt to properly understand and appreciate the broader concept of International Law, some of the most important privileges and immunities being enjoyed by diplomatic envoys are highlighted and discussed in this work. Keywords: Immunity, International Law, The Vienna Convention, Inviolability.
This paper introduces the almajiri and the almajiri system from a historical lens, tracing the ad... more This paper introduces the almajiri and the almajiri system from a historical lens, tracing the adoption and evolution of the system in the Bilad as-Sudan until its subsequent disintegration and collapse. We highlight the interplay of factors leading to its transformation from a system churning out leaders in all aspects of the society to a dysfunctional factory for child neglect and abuse, outputting unemployed and unemployable citizens. We also discuss the perception of the system among various actors in the society and the apparent romanticizing of the noble almajiri against the wayward 'dan boko'. Finally, we try to understand the collapse of the system while raising questions about its future, primarily in Northern Nigeria. Keywords: Almajiri, Northern Nigeria, Education, Colonialism
It has been seen that in most of the variables we have analyzed, Nigeria and the US are light yea... more It has been seen that in most of the variables we have analyzed, Nigeria and the US are light years apart. Top of the agenda is industrialization. As discussed in the analysis, for any meaningful development to be achieved, stable electricity, a working steel industry, peace and security as well as a reasonable level of human capital are basic requirements. Similarly, we have seen that both countries are large in terms of size and heterogeneity but it is the US that is maximizing the benefit of population and diversity through the spread of taxes and government expenditure per head and a system of government that allows regional governments to govern themselves and control their resources. On the contrary, Nigeria struggles to provide basic educational and health facilities to its teaming population hence there's a growing frustration and call for restructuring. The next section discusses these differences and similarities in details followed by a conclusion and recommendations.
The issue of liability continues to be a critical aspect in every professional field. The duty of... more The issue of liability continues to be a critical aspect in every professional field. The duty of care forms the basis of the entire relationship between a professional and a lay man. In this discourse, an attempt was made to highlight the position of the law on the issue of liability of a legal practitioner in Nigeria, particularly for the conduct of a case in the face of the court. The rationale for the old common law position was discussed considering the circumstances prevailing at that point in time. Based on the premise that one of the most important characteristics of law is its dynamic nature, argument was then advanced highlighting the impracticability of maintaining that position in the 21 st century in the face of increased commercialization, globalization and industrialization. A comparison was drawn between the English legal system and the Nigerian legal system and it was submitted that there is no longer any public policy justification for maintaining the courtroom immunity for barristers. Unfortunately, there is still a belief amongst the legal circle in Nigeria that an advocate can get away with whatever quality of performance he/she exhibits in the face of the court. This has led to intellectual laziness and a lack of enthusiasm for the one-time cherished courtroom advocacy especially amongst young advocates. It was also argued that as a matter of public policy there is a desire for uniformity of liability among all professions. Finally, the position of the law on the issue in different countries (both developing and developed) was highlighted and discussed briefly.
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Papers by Sadiq M . Safiyanu
Keywords: Immunity, International Law, The Vienna Convention, Inviolability.
Keywords: Almajiri, Northern Nigeria, Education, Colonialism
Keywords: Immunity, International Law, The Vienna Convention, Inviolability.
Keywords: Almajiri, Northern Nigeria, Education, Colonialism