A federal high court in Abuja has declined an application
seeking to halt the 2023 census.
In March, the federal government announced the 2023
population census would commence on May 3 and end May 5.
Omotuyi Ademola had approached the court with an ex parte
application seeking the postponement of the census for another six months.
He prayed the court to declare that the commission is
currently underfunded and therefore unprepared to conduct a credible, effective
and constitutional census.
However, Inyang Ekwo, presiding judge, refused to grant the
motion ex parte.
Instead, the judge asked the applicant to put the defendant,
National Population Commission (NPC), on notice.
Ekwo said the NPC should appear in court to show cause why
the applicant’s motion should not be granted.
He adjourned the matter until May 5.
In a related motion, the court granted an application by
Victor Opatola, counsel to Ademola, seeking leave to apply for an order of
mandamus compelling the NPC to furnish
him with information concerning the forthcoming 2023 general census.
The application was moved by Rhoda Aransiola.
Ekwo asked Aransiola to file the application within seven
days. He adjourned the matter until May 25 for hearing.
In the application, Opatola is praying the court for an
order granting him “comprehensive and detailed information concerning the
quality test assurance report on the devices and technology to be deployed by
the commission towards the coming 2023 general census until judgment is
delivered in this case within 7 days of the delivery of judgment”.
“An order granting leave to the applicant to apply for an
order of mandamus compelling the defendant to furnish him with comprehensive
and detailed information concerning any conflict of interest in the allotment
of contracts or jobs given by or to contractors towards the coming 2023 General
Census until judgment is delivered in this case within 7 days of the delivery
of judgment.”
He further asked the court
for a declaration that the refusal by the defendant to release the
information or record requested amounted to a violation of Section 7 (1) and 4
(a) & (b) of the Freedom of Information Act and the action was illegal and
unconstitutional.
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