Nigerian legal scholar David Bassey Antia has launched a powerful critique against government officials and religious leaders who misuse the concept of national sovereignty to justify inaction amid ongoing mass killings across the country.
The Res Sua Defense Misapplied
In a compelling opinion piece published recently, Antia examines how the legal principle of res sua - which translates to "his own thing" - is being dangerously misapplied in Nigeria's security crisis. The principle, traditionally used in contract law where a buyer cannot purchase what they already own, is being twisted into a defense for government inaction.
Some Nigerian leaders and pastors have responded to international concern by essentially arguing that since the victims are Nigerian citizens, the matter is purely Nigeria's internal affair. This interpretation, according to Antia, represents a grotesque misunderstanding of both sovereignty and patriotism.
Alarming Statistics of Violence
The scale of violence facing Nigeria is staggering. Available data suggests that well over 100,000 Christians have been killed since 2009, with thousands of churches destroyed during the same period. Despite overwhelming evidence including gruesome pictures and videos circulating in media, many in power continue to deny or minimize these atrocities.
Antia specifically calls out the Tinubu administration for what he describes as "studied nonchalance" until external pressure from foreign nations, particularly recent designation of Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" by United States President Donald Trump, forced some response.
Constitutional and International Obligations
The legal scholar points to clear constitutional mandates being ignored. Section 14(2)(b) of Nigeria's Constitution explicitly states that security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Yet this fundamental duty remains largely unfulfilled.
Internationally, Nigeria acceded to the Genocide Convention on July 27, 2009, binding the country to prevent and punish acts of genocide. Article IV of the convention makes clear that individuals, regardless of official status, are liable for genocide-related crimes. Despite this, no single person has been publicly prosecuted for terrorism acts manifesting as daily slaughters of Nigerians.
Antia also directs sharp criticism toward Nigerian pastors whose complicity through omission or denial he describes as "utterly shameful." He argues their pastoral duty should make them foremost defenders of the vulnerable, yet many have failed this moral test.
Call for Urgent Action
The legal expert concludes with a powerful call to action, demanding that the Tinubu government awaken to its constitutional duties. Banditry and terrorism must no longer operate as de facto ministries of violence, exploiting resources in hideouts like Sambisa Forest and other ungoverned spaces.
Antia emphasizes that the sovereignty of human life must always be elevated above political sovereignty. When foreign nations offer assistance in countering terrorism, Nigeria should not hide behind a perverted interpretation of res sua. The true measure of sovereignty, he argues, lies in protecting Nigerian lives - both Christian and Muslim - which constitute the real sovereignty that must guide governance.
David Bassey Antia writes from the Faculty of Law at Topfaith University Mkpatak, bringing both legal expertise and moral urgency to Nigeria's escalating security crisis.
