LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal High Court, Abuja, has declined a request seeking an order to stop the 2023 Census slated to hold from 3 May to 5 May, 2023.
Justice Inyang Ekwo refused to grant the application, but instead asked the applicant, Omotuyi Ademola, to put the defendant, the National Population Commission, on notice.
According to Justice Ekwo, counsel to the applicant has moved a motion for an interim injunction to stop the conduct of the 2023 Census.
“However, on considering the motion, I am of the opinion that the defendants should be put on notice.”
The judge, therefore, made an order directing the counsel to the applicant, Mr. Victor Opatola to put the NPC on notice for the commission to appear in court and show cause why the applicant’s motion should not be granted.
In his ex parte application, the applicant stated that the NPC currently lacked effective preparation and adequate publicity towards the conduct of a credible, effective and constitutional census in the country.
As a result, he asked for a declaration that the commission was currently underfunded and thus unprepared to conduct a credible, effective and constitutional census.
He prayed the court to determine: “Whether by a true interpretation and construction of the 1999 Constitution and Section 6 of the National Population Commission Act, the aim, intent, importance and purpose of the 2023 census will not be defeated for lack of adequate preparation, lack of adequate awareness and publicity and paucity of funds.
“Whether if the above is in the affirmative, it will not lead to an exacerbated undercount and inefficiency of the census purpose.”
He further prayed the court for an order postponing the forthcoming census for six months to ensure adequate preparation, publicity and adequate funding for the commission.
Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter till 5 May, for the defendant to show cause.
