The ECOWAS Court has fixed July 3, 2023 for judgment in a case brought by two non-governmental organisations against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The NGOs want the government held responsible for the violation of their rights over the delay in the passage of the bill that will allow independent candidates to contest elections.
They are Incorporated Trustees of Prince & Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation (Nigeria), and Incorporated Trustees of Prince & Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation (Switzerland). At the hearing this week, Justice Dupe Atoki announced the adjournment after noting that both parties had filed all their submissions/pleadings.
The lawyer representing the Nigerian government was absent during the session; it is unclear why the counsel failed to show up. The NGOs, in suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/39/22 filed on September 12, 2022, alleged the violation of their right to freedom of expression.
They said State Assemblies failed to achieve resolutions required for the passage of the bill within the timeline, August 2022, as promised by a senior government official.
