Chieftaincy Disputes: Falana Criticizes Federal Courts' Jurisdiction

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has stated that Federal and National Industrial Courts lack the jurisdiction to preside over chieftaincy matters. In a personal statement, Falana criticized the courts for assuming jurisdiction in such cases, describing their decisions as "erroneous" and "unjustifiable" under the Constitution.

Falana cited the Supreme Court's ruling in Tukur v. Government of Gongola State (1987), which established that the right to be an emir is not a fundamental right protected by the Constitution, and therefore, Federal High Courts have no jurisdiction over such matters.

Femi Falana

He argued that the Federal High Court's involvement in the dispute surrounding the deposition of Emir Ado Bayero and the restoration of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was a clear disregard of the Supreme Court's decision. Falana also noted that the National Industrial Court lacks jurisdiction in chieftaincy matters, as stated in Section 254(C)(1) of the Constitution.

However, he acknowledged that a deposed traditional ruler who was denied fair hearing may still have legal recourse. The legal battle in Kano State continues, with a Federal High Court recently ruling on a human rights violation case filed by the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and senior councillor, Aminu Dan'agundi, against the reinstatement of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II.

Comments

All Is Set For APC Presidential Primary.

All is now set for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential primary in Abuja holding from Monday, June 6 to June 7 at the Eagle’s Square with six aspirants in the lead, Jasawa Times learned. The presidentail aspirant include the Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo; former Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, Ebonyi Gov. Dave Umahi; former Lagos Gov. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and ex-Minister of State for Education, Chief Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba. The Eagles Square is expected to host about 2,240 delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Expectedly, the influx of people into the FCT has increased, a development that has attracted more police presence at the Eagles Square and some hotels hosting the delegates and chieftains of the APC. Ahead of the event, the party’s National Chairman, Sen.Abdullahi Adamu on Sunday visited the Eagles Square where he expressed satisfaction with the facilities put in place by...

2023 ELECTION: BVAS mock accreditation Feb 4… INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it would conduct a mock accreditation of registered voters in 436 polling units (PUs) nationwide, on February 4 using its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines. The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Friday in Abuja. He said that 436 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines would be deployed for the exercise. “As you are already aware, the commission has taken delivery of the BVAS machines for the election. We have also dutifully tested each machine in our offices nationwide to ensure its functionality. “The next step is to conduct field tests across the country involving actual voters. For this reason, and in readiness for nationwide deployment, the commission is conducting a mock accreditation of voters similar to what was done ahead of the recent Ekiti and Osun states governorship elections. “The mock accreditation wil...

Concern PDP Muslim Youth Council paid a courtesy visit to Plateau State Governor-elect.

A coalition Muslim PDP Youth in Plateau state called Concern PDP Muslim Youth Council paid a congratulatory visit to Plateau Satet Governor-elect Barrister Caleb Mutgwang. Leading the delegation Hon. Kabiru Garkuwa, while delivering the Goodwill message stated that the Council embarked on the visit to thank the Governor and show their unwavering faith and support for the victory at the recently concluded election. In his speech, Garkuwa, “Praised God for the glorious victory achieved by our dear Party PDP in general elections” He also Added that, “with the like of his Excellency's at the helm of affairs in governance, Plateau State will be in safe hands”. He as well commended the commitments and the sacrifices of Hon. Yary Kumci, appreciated his kind support and benevolence always accorded to the group. Garkuwa while presenting a letter to Governor elect. Garkuwa also appreciate other officials among are Hajiya Jamila Gwandu, Alh. Aminu Abdullahi (Jos...

JASAWA TIMES

Search This Blog