A presidential aspirant, Julius Lagware has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja, to stop the National Assembly, (NASS), from proceeding with the proposed bill, seeking to increase the minimum qualification, for those aspiring to contest the presidential election and other offices.
Lagware, in a suit filed on Friday by his lawyer, Pius Danba, wants among others, an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the respondents and their agents, from taking any action on the proposed bill, seeking to raise the educational qualification for anybody, seeking to contest election to the office of President, Governor, Senator and House of Representatives from School Certificate to the Degree Certificate.
The plaintiff wants the court to declare that the National Assembly lacks the power to enact a likely law or to disenfranchise persons with school certificates, from participating in the electoral process.
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He also wants the court to declare that the action of the National Assembly, via the House of Representatives by the proposed bill, is against the constitutional principles of democracy.
The appellant, in a supporting affidavit, stated that he struggled to acquire his secondary certificate and was desirous of further education, but was held down by poverty.
Listed as respondents in the fundamental rights enforcement suit, are the National Assembly, House of Representatives and the Attorney General of the Federation, (AGF).
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
