Court cancels 2006 census results of 14 councils in Lagos

The National Census Tribunal sitting in Abuja has nullified the 2006 census results in 14 local government areas in Lagos state and ordered a recount

This development has significantly justified the Chairman of the Nigeria Population Commission, Mr. Festus Odimegwu, who was allegedly queried by the Presidency on the basis of his comments which faulted previous censuses in the country, including the 2006 version.

The chairman had been quoted as saying that the figures were sexed up in certain quarters making figures accruing thereform incompetent for planning.

The National Population Commission had put the total population figure of the state at 9 million.

Giving a background to the ruling of the Tribunal, the Attorney-General, Ade Ipaye recalled that following the census exercise conducted by the NPC nationwide from March 21 to 27, 2006, and more particularly in the various local government areas in Lagos state, a total population of 9,113,60 was declared for Lagos adding that a good number of residents from various communities within the state protested, prompting the filing of petitions by the state.

He noted that many informed commentators both within and outside the state, considered the figure far too low as the figure was far below what was realized by a shadow survey carried out by the State's officials during the exercise which put the population of the State at, at-least 17.6 million.

The tribunal considered and passed judgements in all 19 cases, declaring null and void the census results in 14 of the cases.

The tribunal however, dismissed petitions filed on behalf of five Local Government Areas of Shomolu, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Mushin and Oshodi-Isolo on the ground that sufficient proof was not presented by the petitioners.

Briefing journalists in Lagos, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, urged the NPC to urgently organise a recount.