In a bold move to uphold judicial integrity and ensure equitable representation, the House of Representatives has taken decisive steps toward restoring the Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State, following a motion presented by Hon. Ngozi Okolie.
The motion moved by the member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, which gained widespread support, revisits a longstanding legal and constitutional matter affecting several towns in Aniocha North Local Government Area, namely Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma, and Ogodo.
These communities had, since 2014, sought the legal restoration of their constituency after initiating a suit at the Federal High Court, Asaba.
Although the High Court initially dismissed their claim, a significant breakthrough came when the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, on November 22, 2017, ruled in their favor and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore the Aniocha North II State Constituency and conduct elections accordingly.
Further legal validation came when the Supreme Court, in its ruling of November 29, 2019, dismissed INEC’s application for leave to appeal, effectively affirming the judgment of the Court of Appeal as final and binding.
In compliance, INEC held a stakeholders’ meeting on November 19, 2020, and subsequently submitted a report to the National Assembly in accordance with Section 115 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, despite completing all procedural steps, no concrete legislative action has been taken to date.
Hon. Okolie expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay, stating that “the continued inaction in implementing a final judgment of the Supreme Court undermines the Rule of Law, disenfranchises thousands of Nigerians, and denies affected communities rightful representation in the Delta State House of Assembly.”
The House resolved to approve the immediate restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State, in line with the Supreme Court judgment (Suit No. SC/129/2019); and
To Mandate the Committees on Electoral Matters and Legislative Compliance to ensure full and timely implementation of the resolution.
This action marks a significant milestone in the struggle for constitutional compliance and democratic inclusion in Delta State, and sets a national precedent for respecting judicial pronouncements and upholding the rights of citizens to representation.