A prominent Federal lawmaker and constitutional expert has voiced serious concerns regarding a recent Federal High Court judgment involving Rivers State. Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, speaking in a video broadcast on Symfoni TV, challenged the court’s interpretation of the constitution in a case related to the defection of 27 lawmakers.
Ugochinyere took issue with the court’s characterization of the lawmakers’ defection from the pro-Wike faction as a pre-election matter. He argued that this interpretation could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Today’s judgement by the Federal High Court on Rivers State has not changed anything in Rivers State, but it has also gone to show that Nigeria is in trouble,” Ugochinyere stated. He further questioned the court’s reasoning, asking, “How can the Federal High Court say the decampment of the sacked 27 lawmakers from the pro-Wike camp is a pre-election issue?”
The lawmaker expressed particular alarm at what he perceives as a novel constitutional interpretation, stating, “Federal High Court has now introduced a new interpretation to the constitution.”
By bringing these concerns to light, Ugochinyere appears to be calling for a more thorough examination of constitutional matters. His statements suggest a desire to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system and prevent potential misinterpretations of the constitution that could set problematic precedents.
As this situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how other legal experts and political figures will respond to the court’s decision and Ugochinyere’s criticisms.
