Lagos Attorney General Warns National Assembly Against Central Gaming Bill

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has urged the National Assembly to reconsider the proposed Central Gaming Bill, asserting that it is unconstitutional and violates a binding Supreme Court ruling.

Speaking at a press conference at the  Secretariat in Alausa, Pedro described the Bill, currently awaiting Senate approval, as a “voyage of unconstitutionality” that could lead to a constitutional crisis.

The Bill aims to repeal existing lottery laws and centralize the regulation of gaming, betting, and lotteries across Nigeria. However, Pedro reminded lawmakers that the Supreme Court had previously ruled in Suit No. SC/1/2008 – AG Lagos & 22 Ors v. AG Fed & Ors that such matters fall under state jurisdiction, not federal authority.

He quoted the Supreme Court’s judgment from October 13, 2024, which declared that lotteries, betting, and gaming are residual matters exclusively managed by the states, except in the Federal Capital Territory. The court also deemed the National Lottery Act of 2005 unconstitutional and invalid.

Pedro emphasized that any attempt to introduce similar legislation under a different name, like the Central Gaming Bill, would be a blatant disregard for the Supreme Court’s decision, constituting a serious contempt of court.

He asserted, “Once the Supreme Court has made a decision on a subject, it becomes final and binding on all persons and authorities in Nigeria, including the Executive and the Legislature.”

Cablenews24:
CableNews24 is an online TV and newspaper website offering a dynamic mix of up-to-the-minute news, and insightful articles, We’re your trusted companion in navigating today’s fast-paced world. We delivers everything you need to stay connected. From local happenings to global events, we deliver news that matters…Join the CableNews24 experience – where news meets convenience.

CableNews24 – News, Anytime, Anywhere.

For Advertisement, Event Coverage/MC, Public Relations, Story/Article Publication, and other Media Services, kindly send an email to: cablenews24.com@gmail.com OR Kindly call: 08023535955 . To stay updated with the latest news stories, kindly visit cablenews24.com published by AAAANDREL GLOBAL SERVICES