CONSTITUTIONAL LAW — Constitutional Interpretation — Ouster of Jurisdiction Requires Express Words and Strict Construction
Principle Statement
Ouster of jurisdiction needs express words. A court is without power to import into the meaning of a word, clause, or section of a statute something that it does not say.
Ratio Decidendi (Source)
Per Onu, JSC, in Ojukwu v. Obasanjo & Ors (2004) NLC-1992003(SC) at p. 24; Paras B–C.
"Ouster of jurisdiction, it is also emphasized, needs express words. A court of law is without power to import into the meaning of a word, clause or section of a statute something that it does not say."
Explanation / Scope
Ouster of jurisdiction requires express words. The principle applies to statutory interpretation. The court cannot imply ouster. The rule protects judicial review. Ambiguity is resolved against ouster. The principle is well-established.
