An advocacy group, Save Humanity Advocacy center (SHAC) stormed the headquarters of Independent National Election (INEC) in Abuja protesting the nomination of Delta North Senatorial District, in Delta State, Sen. Chief Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi over his court case.
Mr Johnson kolawole Micheal, Program officer Save Humanity Advocacy center (SHAC), addressing the press during the protest said the nomination is a violation of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria1999 (as amended).
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“It’s with great displeasure that we have come out here today in our usual crusade against injustice.
“We humbly call the attention of the INEC Chairman and the public to the fundamental breach of the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria1999(as amended) In relation to the Nomination of Sen. Chief Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi for Senate of Delta North Senatorial District, in Delta State.
“We bring to your notice a very grevious and fundamental breach of Section 66(1) (c) -(d) of our sacred Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which breach is in relation to the eligibility of a candidate to contest for an election into the House of Representatives or Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For the purposes of clarity the said provision is reproduced hereunder.
“we wish to bring to your notice that on the 1st of July, 2022, the Court of Appeal, sitting in Lagos sentenced Sen. Chief Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi to a prison term of 7 years following the 2 count charge of Fraud and Money Laundering leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. A copy of the said judgement is attached herein.
“By this conviction, the Sen. Chief Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi in the eyes of the law is regarded as a convict which standing alone is sufficient to disqualify him from standing in the 2023 elections, however in addition he was convicted on an issue that has to do with dishonesty and fraud”.
“The provisions of the Section 66 (1) (c)-(d) are absolutely clear on issues of who is qualified to contest and circumstances in which someone is not qualified to contest for the office of Senate, therefore with this conviction and in tandem with the above stated provisions we strongly urge you to immediately disqualify Sen.
“Chief Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi the nominated candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and delist his name from the list of qualified candidates for the office of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing the good people of Delta North. Failing to disqualify Sen. Chief Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi would amount to a serious disregard and fundamental breach of the provisions of our very sacred Constitution 1999 (as amended).”
“As we have all seen in the activities of INEC under the leadership of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, he’s known for his strong adherence to the rule of law and justice and we urge him to use your good office to aid the good people of Delta North Senatorial District in their quest to find and elect a worthy representative to Senate of Nigeria.”
“We are confident that this issue would be given due consideration and expeditious action taken to protect the sanctity of our Constitution 1999 (as amended).”
“We are also confident that the law will be followed to the very last so no one across the country will be disenfranchised as the reform within the INEC continues to rebuild the lost confidence of Nigerians under the leadership of Professor Mahmood.”
