A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has turned down a request seeking an order to postpone the 2023 Census slated to be held from May 3 to 5. The presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, refused to grant the application, but instead asked the applicant, Mr. Omotuyi Ademola, to put the defendant, the National Population Commission, on notice.
In his ex parte application, the applicant said 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.
The Applicant asked 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, publicity and paucity of funds.
He 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 until May 5, for the defendant to show cause.
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