Reps To Appeal Judgement On Section 84 (12) Of Electoral Act, Petition NJC

The House of Representatives on Wednesday revealed plans to appeal the judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, asking the Attorney General of the Federation to delete section 84 (12) from the electoral act amendment bill recently signed into law.

Naija News reports that President Muhammadu Buhari recently signed the bill into law after several calls from stakeholders who believe doing so ahead of the 2023 general election will help curb excesses by politicians before, during and after elections.

The lawmakers, however, during plenary on Wednesday resolved also to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) about the conduct of the judge who gave judgement against the National Assembly even when they were not necessary parties to the suit.

Members of the House expressed disappointment and displeasure with the judgement, which they said was aimed at ursurping the powers of lawmaking conferred on them by the 1999 Constitution as amended.

They also asked the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami not to tamper with the law as made by the National Assembly pending the determination of all appeals related to it.

The House Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamiala, said the Executive or an appointee of the Executive cannot by the provision of the Constitution delete even a punctuation mark on any law as that would amount to usurping the powers expressly conferred on the National Assembly.

He said it was curious the judgement was given when the Plaintiff did not show any injury that he will suffer if the section is not deleted, adding that the plaintiff is neither a political appointee nor a public servant.

Details Shortly…