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.
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 9,113,605 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 to
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.
