CONSTITUTIONAL LAW — Interpretation of Constitution — Constitutional Provisions Must Be Read Together and Not in Isolation
Principle Statement
It is the cardinal principle of interpreting the Constitution that the provisions of the Constitution must be read together and not disjointly.
Ratio Decidendi (Source)
Per Uwais, CJN, in A.G., Lagos State v. A.G., Federation (2004) NLC-702004(SC) at p. 10; Paras B–C (citing Ifezue v. Mbadugha (1984) 1 SCNLR 427).
"It is the cardinal principle of interpreting the Constitution that the provisions of the Constitution must be read together and not disjointly."
Explanation / Scope
Constitutional provisions must be read harmoniously. The principle applies to constitutional interpretation. Isolated reading may distort meaning. The rule ensures coherence. The court will consider the entire Constitution. The principle is fundamental.
