Senate Approves Bill to Restore Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State

The Senate has approved the restoration of the Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State, acting on a Supreme Court judgment that had ruled in favor of reinstating the constituency. This decision follows a legal battle that culminated in a final ruling in 2019, but which had not yet been implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Lawmakers have now directed INEC to comply with the ruling and ensure that the constituency is reinstated in time for the next Delta State House of Assembly election after the current legislative term. The motion to enforce the Supreme Court judgment was sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He highlighted that the affected communities had persistently pursued legal action to have their constituency restored.

The legal struggle began in 2017 when a court ruled in favor of the constituency’s reinstatement. However, despite multiple favorable rulings, including the Supreme Court’s final judgment in 2019 in Suit No. SC/129/2019, INEC had yet to act on the directive. The delay prompted the Senate’s intervention, leading to the approval of the constituency’s restoration.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the importance of adhering to Supreme Court judgments, noting that such rulings are binding and must be implemented without delay. He urged both INEC and the House of Representatives to ensure full compliance before the 2027 general elections.

The Senate’s decision reaffirms its stance on upholding judicial verdicts and ensuring that all constituencies receive appropriate legislative representation. The restoration of Aniocha North II is expected to enhance political participation and governance in the affected communities, giving them a voice in state legislative affairs once again.