By Austin Ogwuda
THE Supreme Court on Tuesday, the 16th April 2024, reserved judgment to July 12th, 2024, in an appeal challenging the constitutionality of the Pension Rights of Governor and Deputy Governor of Delta State Law 2008, passed by the Delta State House of Assembly.
It has been a torturous legal journey so far.
The Appellant, Mr. Olakunle Ogheneovo Edun had challenged the Law at the High Court of Delta State.
The High Court dismissed the suit and held that Mr. Olakunle Ogheneovo Edun had no locus standi to institute the suit. Mr. Edun then appealed the High Court judgment to the Court of Appeal Benin Division, which also dismissed the appeal.
Mr Olakunle Ogheneovo Edun further appealed to the Supreme Court. When the matter came up at the Supreme Court, Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) sought the leave of the Court to file a brief as an _amicus curiae_ (friend of the court).
The Supreme Court refused to grant the leave as it held that the application by Mr Femi Falana, SAN was not in accordance with the Supreme Court Rules.
At the hearing of the main appeal, the Appellant, Mr Olakunle Edun, represented himself, while Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, Delta State Solicitor-General led three other lawyers from the State Ministry of Justice in defence of the Delta State Governor and the Attorney-General of Delta State.
At the close of hearing, the Supreme Court reserved Judgment to 12th July 2024.
