BY TONY OKAFOR
The Supreme Court Must Provide a Definitive Ruling on Defection, Once and for All.
The recent Supreme Court decision on the Rivers State defection saga has left many Nigerians bewildered.
Rather than providing clarity on the contentious issue, the court’s verdict has only added to the confusion.
As the highest court in the land, it is imperative that the Supreme Court provides a definitive interpretation of the law on defection.
The issue of defection has been a perennial problem in Nigerian politics.
Lawmakers and politicians have exploited the ambiguity surrounding defection to switch parties at will, often without regard for the electoral mandates that brought them to office.
This has led to widespread disenchantment among voters, who feel betrayed by the very politicians they elected to represent them.
The 1999 Constitution is clear on the issue of defection. Section 68(1)(g) states that a lawmaker’s seat shall become vacant if they defect to another party except in cases where the party they originally belonged to has merged with another party or has been dissolved or divided.
However, the Supreme Court’s recent decision has raised more questions than answers, leaving many to wonder what constitutes defection and under what circumstances it is permissible.
It is imperative that the Supreme Court takes into consideration the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
The Supreme Court must rise to the challenge and provide a clear, concise, and definitive interpretation of the law on this matter.
This is not just a matter of legal semantics; it is a matter of democratic accountability and the integrity of the electoral process.
Nigerians are eagerly awaiting this momentous time, hoping that it will bring an end to the controversy surrounding defection and provide a clear direction for the country’s political leaders.
By providing clarity on the issue of defection, the Supreme Court can help restore public trust in the electoral process and ensure that politicians are held accountable for their actions.
When a judgment reeks of politics, the people lose faith, and I dare say, even God weeps.
