Gaming Bill: Lagos Don Sue National Assembly For Contempt

Lagos State Government don carry matter go Supreme Court, dey seek permission to start contempt proceedings against National Assembly for allegedly violating apex court judgment wey declare federal law on lottery and gaming unconstitutional. Di state, through Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, don file motion to issue Form 48, wey na legal notice wey dey precede contempt or committal proceedings. Under Nigerian law, Form 48 dey serve as official warning to any person or authority wey dey defy court order, and failure to obey fit lead to prison. According to Lagos’ counsel, Bode Olanipekun (SAN), National Assembly dey still consider Central Gaming Bill, wey dey directly breach Supreme Court judgment SC.1/2008 delivered on November 22, 2024, wey concern lottery and gaming powers.

Di state argue for supporting affidavit say several clauses of di bill, especially clauses 7 and 21–64, dey deal with lottery and gaming, even though Supreme Court don rule say National Assembly no get power for dis matter. Dem talk say di clauses dey mirror now-voided National Lottery Act, wey court strike down for 2024. Di bill still try preserve actions under di nullified law through Clause 62, wey Lagos describe as deliberate attempt to undermine Supreme Court authority. Di affidavit also note say Second Schedule of 1999 Constitution never change since 2024, meaning lottery and gaming still dey under state jurisdiction. By return go Supreme Court, Lagos dey seek enforcement of di 2024 judgment through contempt proceedings, wey fit set important precedent on limits of federal legislative power and supremacy of judiciary for Nigeria.