President Jonathan and National Assembly settles out of court over Constitution Amendment row

The Federal Government and the National Assembly have settled their row over the recent Constitution Amendment, as the Federal Government on Wednesday withdrew its suit as advised by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court had given the Executive arm and the National Assembly 48 hours to resolve their differences over the Fourth Alteration of 1999 Constitution Bill.

The court asked the two sides to return after harmonising their respective positions and with the report of their out-of-court settlement on Wednesday.

President Goodluck Jonathan had vetoed the Bill passed by the National Assembly. The lawmakers threatened to override the President’s veto but were restrained by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court on May 7 fixed June 18 for hearing of the matter, but last week reversed the hearing date to May 25.

On Monday, the Supreme Court said the issues in contention were simple and could be reconciled by the parties without the court’s intervention.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, who presided over the proceedings, gave the two sides two days to sort out their differences.

Credit: Premium Times