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Supreme Court judgement: Plateau lawmakers’ dilemma reignites calls for Electoral Act amendment
The controversy sparked by the removal of all federal and state lawmakers from Plateau State, as decreed by the Appeal Court, has reignited calls for an amendment to the electoral act. This development arises amid growing public dissatisfaction with perceived political injustices stemming from the Court of Appeal’s decisions regarding cases related to the 2023 general elections.
Recalling the sweeping judgment in November of the previous year, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed all 16 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Plateau State House of Assembly. The grounds for their removal included an alleged breach of a court order and a lack of political structure. Subsequently, the Appeal Court also ousted five PDP members from the House of Representatives, two senators, and Governor Caleb Mutfwang, though the Supreme Court later overturned Mutfwang’s dismissal.
While Mutfwang was relieved by the Supreme Court’s decision, state and federal lawmakers faced less fortunate outcomes, with their cases concluding at the appellate court. The Supreme Court, in its judgment, asserted that the issue of nomination falls within the internal affairs of a political party and is thus beyond judicial jurisdiction.
Reacting to this, a senior lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, criticized the Appeal Court, contending that it deprived the people of Plateau State of their voting rights. He suggested a potential revision of the Electoral Act, directing such matters to the Supreme Court to prevent similar injustices.
Despite these challenges, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) submitted petitions to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission, seeking redress for its members ousted by the Court of Appeal. The PDP cited the Supreme Court’s judgment as the basis for its appeal.
However, legal opinions differ on the viability of seeking a review from the NJC, with some asserting that the NJC lacks the authority to revise judgments. The National Working Committee of the PDP remains determined to pursue justice for its members, emphasizing the need for corrective action against the perceived judicial overreach.
In response to the ongoing situation, a human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, urged the Supreme Court to reconsider some of its decisions on political cases. Additionally, calls for a constitutional amendment have emerged, proposing an adjustment to allow the Supreme Court to adjudicate cases related to state and federal legislative elections.
While the complexities of the legal process persist, various stakeholders express their opinions, emphasizing the need for fairness, justice, and potential reforms to safeguard the democratic process.
The Ogun State Government has donated N200 million to the Borno State Government in response to the severe flooding that recently devastated the area, causing significant property damage and displacing thousands of residents.
The flooding was triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri on September 10.
Reports indicate that at least 414,000 people have been displaced, with 30 lives lost due to the disaster.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun had previously sent condolences to the people and government of Borno, praising the state government’s swift actions and the support from the Federal Government.
Kayode Akinmade, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, stated on Saturday that the donation aims to aid flood victims and provide immediate relief. He noted the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Borno State caused by the flooding and called on all Nigerians to help those in need.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of chairpersons and members for various government agency boards and parastatals.
This initiative aims to facilitate the efficient operation of government activities and improve service delivery.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.
The appointments, which include both full-time and part-time roles, will take effect on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Oyebanji congratulated the new appointees, highlighting that their roles present valuable opportunities for public service. He encouraged them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior in their duties.
Users of the Umuahia-Bende-Arochukwu-Ohafia road will soon heave a sigh of relief as the Federal Government has mobilized a new contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to begin work on the collapsed sections of the road.
The mobilization of the new contractor followed a viral video by ABN TV titled “How Your Area,” which highlighted that the Onu Uduma Bridge, commonly known as Nmuri Bridge on the federal road, was on the verge of collapse.
The critical bridge, previously rehabilitated by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has come under severe pressure due to repeated downpours and the movement of heavy-duty vehicles, which exposed it to structural threats.
The Federal Executive Council approved additional funds for the project, supplementing the money initially approved in 2018.
The arrival of CCECC equipment at the affected site on Wednesday has brought hope to the people of Ohafia and all users of the road. This follows the termination of the previous contractor, Heartland, whose contract was revoked due to issues concerning the quality of work.
Speaking on the arrival of the new contractor, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Ibe Okwara Osonwa, stated that the progress was a result of his engagement with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, through the Abia State Government, to ensure repairs on the road and the Nmuri Bridge to prevent total collapse.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti, his deputy, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for their swift response to the road’s condition, but urged host communities to offer maximum cooperation to the contractor to ensure smooth and timely completion of the work.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
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