Skip to main content

NASS lacks power to re-order sequence for 2019 election – Federal High Court

ABUJA – The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, held that the National Assembly lacks the power to re-order the proposed sequence for 2019 general elections.

The court, in a judgment that was delivered by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is the only body that is constitutionally empowered to organise, undertake and supervise elections in the country.

“I am persuaded by argument of the plaintiff that it is the sole responsibility of the 3rd defendant (INEC) to conduct elections, and further in doing so, the 3rd defendant has the power to fix dates for elections”, the court held.

It noted that the NASS commenced moves to amend the Electoral Act after INEC had already released its timetable for the 2019 elections.

The court held that action of the NASS was in clear breach of paragraph 15a of the 3rd Schedule of the 1999 constitution, as amended.

It stressed that the right that was constitutionally vested on INEC could not be removed by the NASS through its belated process to amend the Electoral Act.

Consequently, the court granted reliefs 1 to 10 that was sought by Accord Party which was the plaintiff in the matter, even as it nullified section 25 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2018, which sought to alter sequence for the forthcoming general elections.

It however declined to compel President Muhammadu Buhari to reject the 2018 Amended Electoral Act on the basis that the President has already withheld his assent to it.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo Emerges Family Head of Ikot Anung

•Dr EDWIN EKANEM ABASIABIAMKPO DIVINELY EMERGED  It was a day of celebration and cultural splendour at Ikot Anung, Ituk Mbang in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as the community unanimously elected His Highness Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo as the new Family Head of the royal lineage of Nung EkanemAbasi Abiamkpo. The event, which attracted traditional leaders, youths, women, and dignitaries from within and outside the community, was marked by tributes, traditional dances, and displays reflecting over three centuries of enduring royal heritage. Speaking with journalists, the Secretary of Ituk Mbang Village Council, Chief Asuquo Edet Asuquo, described the emergence of Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo as divine and in line with tradition.  “What God has ordained must surely come to pass,” he said. “Today, God has chosen His Highness Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo to lead the people of Ikot Anung. His Highness Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo divinely emerged.” He urg...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ikono Council Boss Celebrates Elder Effiong Udofia at 70

  By Ifiokabasi Abia As the saying goes, “When the righteous are on the throne, the people rejoice.”This timeless truth perfectly reflects the leadership style of Rt. Hon. Otobong Essien, Executive Chairman of **Ikono Local Government Council. The 70th birthday celebration and thanksgiving service of Elder Edet Effiong Udofia, a seasoned administrator and long-serving works supervisor, held special significance as it coincided with the one-year anniversary thanksgiving service** of the Ikono Local Government Council. The atmosphere came alive with jubilation and cheers upon the arrival of the council boss. The electrifying excitement in the air reflected the people’s love, admiration, and social acceptance of the Rt. Hon. Otobong Essien-led administration—one that has remained steadfast in its people-centered approach to governance. Rt. Hon. Essien has consistently demonstrated a passion for human development and welfare. His leadership style bridges the gap between government and ...
Post a Comment
Read more

NDCCITMA SET TO HOLD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE SCHEME, FRIDAY 17, OCTOBER - LIVENEWSGUNS

. . . Tackle economic challenges at grassroots  "Teach us how to fish and we will never lack fish." This age-long adage captures the enduring philosophy of the Niger Delta people. The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) was established to tackle economic challenges at the grassroots and promote sustainable development across the region. Its mission is to create economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, skill acquisition, and local industrial growth. NDCCITMA seeks to collaborate and engage with major industries to establish vocational and technical training centres throughout the Niger Delta.  These centres will focus on under-water welding, gas welding, agricultural innovation, and other vocational trades, reducing dependence on imports while harnessing the region’s abundant resources.  This initiative aims to fight poverty, improve food security, and drive inclusive economic progress. The Niger Delta Development Commi...
Post a Comment
Read more