In a landmark decision, the Nigerian Senate has approved the restoration of the Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State, marking a victory for the affected communities after years of legal battles.
This decision follows a Supreme Court judgment in Suit No. SC/129/2019, which mandated the reinstatement of the constituency.
The approval, which took place during Tuesday’s plenary session, was championed by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC – Delta North) through a motion titled âRestoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency, Delta in Compliance with Supreme Court Judgment.â
Following the resolution, the Senate directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement the ruling and ensure that elections are conducted in the restored constituency during the next Delta State House of Assembly elections, after the current term ends.
A Legal Battle for Representation
Senator Nwoko, while presenting the motion, provided a detailed history of the case.
He highlighted that in 2014, the people of Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma, and Ogodo in Aniocha North LGA sought legal intervention at the Federal High Court in Asaba to restore their constituency, which had been removed.
Although their initial case was dismissed, the Court of Appeal in Benin ruled in their favor on November 22, 2017, instructing INEC to restore the constituency and conduct elections.
However, INEC filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, which was ultimately dismissed on November 29, 2019, making the decision final and binding.
Despite this ruling, no concrete steps were taken to restore the constituency until Senator Nwoko brought the matter to the floor of the Senate.
Senate Demands Immediate Action from INEC
The Senate’s resolution mandates that INEC comply with the ruling and that the House of Representatives provide concurrence as required by Section 115 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Senator Nwoko for ensuring justice was served, stressing that the Supreme Court ruling must be fully implemented.
He directed Senate management to immediately engage INEC and work with the House of Representatives to complete the process.
Akpabio also emphasized that similar constituency disputes across Nigeria should be pursued in court for resolution, ensuring that electoral justice prevails.
The restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency is seen as a significant achievement, not only for the affected communities but also for the democratic process in Nigeria.
