UPDATE: Supreme Court Bars National Assembly From Amending Constitution

The Supreme Court has halted the process of the ongoing constitution amendment.

 

‎The seven-man panel of the Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on Thursday  made the order that status quo be maintained with regard to the issue.

The order was made in the suit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), to challenge the  passage of the 4th Alteration Bill by the National Assembly.

The CJN explained that the order implied that no further step should be taken by parties in the suit with respect to the issue and fixed‎ June 18 for further proceedings.

Meanwhile, the life of the current 7th National Assembly ends on June 5.

‎But before granting the order to maintain status quo on Thursday, the apex court raised questions about the composition of parties in the suit.

For instance, it asked the AGF’s counsel, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN), whether the suit ought not to have been filed in the name of the President instead of the AGF.

It also wondered whether the state Houses of Assembly which were part of the constitution amendment process ought not to have been joined as parties.

The panel then agreed to give Ojo and the National Assembly, the only defendant in the suit, time to file their written addresses on the issues raise.

It also ordered that status quo be maintained and adjourned the matter till June 18.