Update on 40 Lawmakers Facing Potential Loss of National Assembly Seats

Introduction:
The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has taken legal action against 40 Nigerian lawmakers, pushing for them to forfeit their seats at the National Assembly. ALDRAP argues that it is improper for these lawmakers to hold dual memberships in both the National Assembly and external parliaments while receiving emoluments from all entities involved.

The Controversy

ALDRAP argues that it is unfair for these lawmakers to hold multiple memberships in the National Assembly, ECOWAS Parliament, and the Pan-African Parliament while receiving emoluments from all three institutions. The group initially urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to declare the seats of the affected lawmakers vacant due to their simultaneous membership in multiple parliaments.

Legal Action

After serving a pre-action notice on the Senate President and the Clerk of the National Assembly, ALDRAP decided to seek judicial intervention. In a letter dated April 8, signed by its Secretary, Tonye Clinton Jaja, the organization warned that it would file a lawsuit if the Senate President did not comply with its request within seven working days.

Constitutional Violations

The group claims that serving in both the National Assembly and other parliaments violates Section 68(1) of the 1999 Constitution and Article 18 of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Supplementary Act. The lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeks to clarify whether lawmakers are required to resign from the National Assembly before joining the ECOWAS Parliament or the Pan-African Parliament.

Legal Demands

ALDRAP demands that the Clerk of the National Assembly stop paying salaries and benefits to the 40 lawmakers who recently joined the ECOWAS Parliament or the Pan-African Parliament. They also call for bye-elections to fill the vacant seats at the National Assembly within 30 days.

Inauguration of Lawmakers

In April, over thirty members of the National Assembly were inaugurated as members of the ECOWAS Parliament, sparking controversy over their dual membership. The legal battle initiated by ALDRAP highlights the ongoing debate over the compatibility of holding multiple parliamentary positions.

In conclusion, the issue of lawmakers holding dual membership in different parliaments raises questions about constitutional provisions and ethical practices. The legal action taken by ALDRAP sheds light on the need for clarity on the boundaries of parliamentary roles and responsibilities.

Would ALDRAP’s legal challenge set a precedent for lawmakers holding multiple parliamentary positions around the world? Only time will tell as the case unfolds in the court of law.

Overall, ALDRAP’s legal challenge against the 40 lawmakers raises important questions about the compatibility of holding multiple parliamentary positions in Nigeria. As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how the courts interpret the constitutional provisions and legislative procedures at play. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

Stay informed on the developing legal battle as 40 Nigerian lawmakers potentially lose their National Assembly seats due to dual parliamentary memberships. Discover more about ALDRAP’s initiative and its implications.