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An investor, Ambassador Abayomi Mumuni has appealed to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi to interpret the recent judgement of the Supreme Court on the National Lottery Commission.
Mumuni, who is the Chief Executive Officer of MorRich Lottery Limited, made this appeal in a letter addressed to Fagbemi. The letter was made available to journalists on Sunday.
Recall that the Supreme Court on Friday nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted by the National Assembly sequel to the suit filed in 2008 by Lagos and other states.
The Supreme Court in a unanimous judgement consisting of seven members in its ruling held that the National Assembly has no power to legislate on issues relating to lottery and games of chance.
Mumuni who is a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos state in his reaction, urged Fagbemi to provide an interpretation of the judgment.
Mumuni in a letter titled “Request for Interpretation of Supreme Court Judgment on Nigeria National Lottery Commission Case” noted that the ruling has raised significant apprehensions among stakeholders within the gaming and lottery sectors.
He maintained that there is a growing fear that the interpretation and application of this judgment may lead to economic constraints affecting legitimate operators.
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He added that the ruling may create opportunities for unlicensed and fake gaming operators to emerge, thus undermining the integrity of the gaming industry and negatively impacting the economy.
Mumuni then urged Fagbemi to provide detailed guidance on the implications of the judgment.
“I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent Supreme Court judgment related to the Nigeria National Lottery Commission and to formally request your office to provide an interpretation of this judgment.
“The ruling has raised significant apprehensions among stakeholders within the gaming and lottery sectors. There is a growing fear that the interpretation and application of this judgment may lead to economic constraints affecting legitimate operators. In particular, there are concerns that it may unwittingly create opportunities for unlicensed and fake gaming operators to emerge, thus undermining the integrity of the gaming industry and negatively impacting the economy.
“As you are aware, the gaming sector is a vital part of Nigeria’s economy, contributing to job creation, revenue generation, and economic development. A clear understanding of this judgment is crucial to ensure that all stakeholders can operate within the legal framework without the fear of unintended consequences that may arise from ambiguities in the court’s decision.
“It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court embark on such ruling without considering the Atmosphere of the country and Stakeholders’ Investments, having to do with the Nigeria National Lottery Licensing Agreements Etc.
“I respectfully request your office to provide detailed guidance on the implications of the judgment, clarifying any parts that may be susceptible to misinterpretation, Such clanity will not only assist in protecting legitimate operators but will also help to maintain the integrity of the regulatory framework governing the gaming industry in Nigeria.”
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