By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
In a significant move, the Senate has approved the restoration of the Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State, in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment. The decision, made during Tuesday’s plenary session, also directs the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the constituency’s restoration takes effect in the next State Houses of Assembly election.
The approval follows a motion sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North. Nwoko highlighted the constituency’s history, dating back to 1991 when it was created by the National Electoral Commission. However, the constituency was suppressed, leading to a prolonged legal battle.
In 2014, the people of Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma, and Ogodo towns initiated a legal action to restore the constituency. Although the Federal High Court initially dismissed their case, the Court of Appeal in Benin later ruled in their favor, ordering INEC to restore the constituency and conduct elections within three months.
Despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling, INEC failed to comply, prompting the plaintiffs to issue a 14-day ultimatum in March 2023. The ultimatum threatened legal action if INEC did not restore the constituency and conduct elections within 90 days.
In 2014, the people of Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma, and Ogodo towns in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, took legal action at the Federal High Court, Asaba, to restore the Aniocha North II State Constituency. Despite the initial setback of having their originating summons dismissed, the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, delivered a landmark judgment on November 22, 2017, ordering the restoration of the constituency and directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections
