The House of Representatives has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently restore 13 State Assembly constituencies in Kogi and Delta states.
The affected constituencies include Kabba-Bunu II, Ijumu II, Koton Karfe I, Yagba West II, Adavi II, Iffe/Ogodu, Igala Ogba, Okura, Enjema, Dekina Town, Olamaboro II, and Bassa-Nge/Gbirra in Kogi State, as well as Sapele II in Delta State.
The resolution followed the adoption of two separate motions moved by Salman Idris (APC, Kogi) on behalf of Kogi lawmakers and Benedict O. Etanabene (LP, Delta).
Etanabene noted that during the gubernatorial and State Assembly elections on December 14, 1991, Kogi State had 32 State Assembly constituencies, with elections conducted and winners declared.
However, he argued that based on constitutional provisions, the state should have between 27 and 36 House of Assembly seats.
He further highlighted that the last review of state constituencies by INEC in 1998 led to the suppression of several constituencies in Kogi State, a situation that has persisted to date.
The lawmakers urged INEC to address the issue and restore the constituencies in line with constitutional requirements.
He said the essence of participatory democracy is to ensure inclusive governance aimed at bringing a balanced development through quality representation, Kogi State has remained under represented as a result of this unconstitutional gross suppression of the number of seats in the Kogi State House of Assembly.
He said further that the Independent National Electoral Commission has continued to act in ultra vires due to the exclusion of the above-mentioned constituencies, adding that the restoration of the suppressed constituencies in Kogi State will further deepen our democracy in terms of quality representation and grassroots development and promote equality.
On his part, Etanabene said INEC has continued to suppress the Sapele II state constituency since 1998 despite a Federal High Court judgement delivered in 2013 ordering the restoration of the constituency hy the commission.
According to him, INEC filed an appeal against the judgement in 2022, but failed to pursue the appeal which was accordingly struck out by the Court of Appeal on the 7 May, 2024.
He said INEC continued refusal to comply with court judgments restoring the Sapele II State Assembly Constituency undermines the rule of law and deprives the people of proper representation.
