Interpretation of Statutes (295)
HELD:
"Now, by Section 65 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended, it is provided as follows:
HELD:
"Where the words in a statute are clear and unambiguous, they should be given their natural and ordinary meaning.
HELD:
"And in the interpretation of documents, the apex Court on the interpretation of documents had this to say in the case of UNION BANK V OZIGI (1994) LPELR-3389(SC) thus:
HELD:
"The word 'shall' connotes mandatory discharge of a duty or obligation, and when the word is used in respect of a provision of the law that requirement must be met.
HELD:
"The literal rule of interpretation of statutes is that ordinary words must be given their natural and ordinary meaning.
HELD:
"In Adewunmi v. A-G., Ekiti State (2002) 2 NWLR (Pt. 751) 474, Wali, J.S.C. said at page 512:
HELD:
"It is merely saying the obvious that section 97(1)(c) comes before section 97(1)(e).
HELD:
"The cardinal or golden rule of interpretation of statutes is that the words of the statute must prima facie be given their ordinary meaning without importing into them what is not there.