HEDA Sues Nigeria's National Assembly for Constitutional Breach

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s National Assembly at the Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing it of breaching the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The suit, which challenges the National Assembly’s actions, specifically calls for the court’s interpretation of Sections 88(1) and (2) of the Constitution.

HEDA argues that the National Assembly “is not competent to direct or cause to be directed investigations into any matter without a resolution published in its journal or the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation.”

The group further asserts that the investigative powers of the National Assembly should be used “only for the purpose of enabling them to make laws, correct defects in existing laws, expose corruption, inefficiency, or waste in the execution or administration of laws.”

Additionally, HEDA seeks a “perpetual injunction” to prevent the National Assembly from summoning private individuals or corporate representatives “without following the appropriate procedure and purpose under the law.”

The organization claims that the Assembly has been summoning individuals without due process, which it believes is a direct violation of the Constitution. This legal action underscores HEDA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.