The important reason
for state creation is for the security of life and property. Thomas Hobbes is
of the view that the social contract between individuals and the state is for
security of interests of those that make up the state.
It is the duty of the
government to secure the life and property of individuals and the state. The
security of life and property is paramount for the existence of the state. It
is the responsibility of the government to create agencies like the police, army
and state security service for the protection of the state.
Government is
responsible for the provision of the materials and gadgets necessary for
protection of the environment. The provision of equipment and personnel for
security of state property and life is fundamental in state formation.
The protection of life
and property implies that the citizens would move about without fear,
intimidation or attack. Though, the security in Nigeria has not reached that
height, which has resulted in foreign investors leaving the country due to
insecurity.
Parliamentarians in
Nigeria have been killed without trace of the assassins; in the word of Chief
F.R.A Williams (SAN) “the murder of Chief Bola Ige has unfortunately portrayed
Nigeria as a lawless country where even the Chief Law Officer cannot be sure of
his own security.
The major duty and
responsibility a state own their citizen is to protect them from terror and attack.
Welfare
of Citizens:
The provision of
welfare is a duty and responsibility a constituted authority owes their
citizens. Welfare of the citizens means that it is the duty of the government
to provide employment for its citizens. The government has the duty of
providing the citizens with goods health facilities, road network, pipe borne
water, schools, recreational parks, communication network etc.
Responsive government
is expected to take care of the young and old, the sick, underprivileged
children in our society.
Promotion
of Political Activities:
It is the duty of the
government to provide the enabling environment for political activities to
flourish. The duty of Nigerian government is to promote understanding between
various groups in Nigeria society.
The promotion of
national integration, inter-marriage, formation of association and prohibition
of discrimination are essential duty of government. It is the duty of the
government to maintain the security and stability of the nation.
Provision
and Promotion of Economic Activities:
The government is duty
bound to provide an efficient dynamic and self reliant economy. It has to
harness the national recourse for the benefit of the country and control
national economy to ensure maximum welfare of the citizens and reduce the
concentration of wealth on few hands
The government has the
responsibility of providing good shelter and reasonable minimum wage and other
economic welfare. The provision of these, help the citizens build trust on the
government.
Provision
of Social Amenities:
The government has the
responsibility of promoting religious tolerance, non discrimination on grounds
of sex or class and equality of rights, obligation and opportunities before the
law.
The government must also
secure the independence and impartiality of the courts. The promotion of social
and cultural life of the people is part of the social responsibility of the
government.
The government must
provide enabling environment for cross-cultural interaction and marriages. The
provision of parks, gardens, theater, stadium and cultural squares are part of
the social responsibilities of government. The training and education of the
citizens in the social areas of life are also important for their welfare.