Nigeria: Senate: Ben Bruce Faces Disqualification Over Dual Citizenship
Published: 24/Mar/2015
Source: PM News (Abuja)
By Henry Ojelu
A former Attorney General of Bayelsa state, Chief Anthony George – Ikoli SAN has filed a suit before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja challenging the eligibility of the Chairman of Silver Group, Ben Bruce in contesting the Bayelsa East Senatorial District election.
Chief George -Okoli is asking the court to disqualify Ben Bruce from contesting the election on the ground of his dual citizenship.
Bayelsa East Senatorial district comprises of three local governments namely Brass, Nembe, and Ogbia Local governments. Four people contested for the senatorial slot; they are Bruce, George-Ikoli, Madam Irene Digitemi and Mr Nelson Belief. The leadership of the PDP at the state had allegedly prevailed upon other candidates to step down for Bruce on account of his closeness to President Goodluck Jonathan.
The originating summons filed before the court by Chief George-Ikoli seeks the court to determine the following issues:
Whether having regard to the combined provisions of Sections 66(1)(a) and 28(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), an aspirant for the elective office of the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who whilst voluntarily acquiring the citizenship of another country (that is the United States of America) and in the process of which he (the aspirant) declares on oath, the absolute and entire renunciation of citizenship of and allegiance and fidelity to Nigeria can without more be eligible and seek election to the office of Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;
Read further: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/03/24/senate-ben-bruce-faces-disqualification-over-dual-citizenship/