Court Voids Buhari’s FCC Appointments
A Federal High Court in Abuja has decided on the appointment of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) Chairperson, Muheeba Dankaka, and Secretary, Bello Tukur, by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The court has declared their appointment as illegal.
The Appointment
In April 2020, former President Buhari appointed 38 people to the board of the FCC, including Dankaka and Tukur.
The Lawsuit
A person named Festus Onifade filed a lawsuit against the former President and the Attorney-General of the Federation, challenging the appointment of Dankaka and Tukur. The FCC, Dankaka, and Tukur were also named as defendants in the case.
The Argument
Onifade argued that the appointment of Dankaka and Tukur, both from the North Central region, violated the 1999 Constitution and the Act of the National Assembly. He stated that their appointment did not comply with the relevant sections of the Constitution and the Federal Character Commission Act.
The Demands
Onifade urged the court to assert that the President must actively adhere to the provisions of the Constitution when appointing the FCC Chairperson and Secretary. He also asked for an order to dissolve and reconstitute the FCC’s board in accordance with the law.
The Court’s Decision
After considering the arguments, Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the judgment. The court found that the former President did not comply with the Constitution and the FCC Act when appointing Tukur and Dankaka. The court stated that there was a failure to follow the necessary provisions.
Leave a Reply