CONSTITUTIONAL LAW — Constitutional Interpretation — Every Clause of a Statute Must Be Construed with Reference to Context and Other Clauses
Principle Statement
Every clause of a statute should be construed with reference to the context and other clauses of the Act, so as, as far as possible, to make a consistent enactment of the whole statute.
Ratio Decidendi (Source)
Per Mohammed, JSC, in Ojukwu v. Obasanjo & Ors (2004) NLC-1992003(SC) at p. 9; Paras B–C.
"Every clause of a statute should be construed with reference to the context and other clauses of the Act, so as, as far as possible, to make a consistent enactment of the whole statute or series of statutes relating to the subject-matter."
Explanation / Scope
Statutory clauses must be read in context. The principle applies to constitutional interpretation. No clause is read in isolation. The rule ensures harmonious construction. The court will interpret provisions to avoid inconsistency. The principle is well-established.
