A case challenging the constitutionality of the National Prayer Breakfast held annually at the Safari Park Hotel has been dismissed.
In its ruling the high court determine that contrary to assertions by the petitioner; the venue; is reasonably accessible and that the public is given an opportunity to view the event through live Television broadcast.
On the question of whether the breakfast amounts to establishment of a state religion, the court has said the petitioner failed to plead the matter officially.
“Submissions are not pleadings,” the court said, adding that it could only determine issues that had been formally placed before it.
“As serious questions on the constitutionality of the National Prayer Breakfast were raised in the submissions, the same must be the subject of a separate inquiry and not this petition,” the judge ruled.
The case had been filed by activist Lempaa Soyinka who was seeking orders to have parliament blocked from holding the annual event claiming that it amounted to an inappropriate use of public funds.
The lawyer claimed that the event offended the provisions of the constitution that requires a separation between the state and religion.
This years prayer breakfast is set to be held on Thursday this week from 7:00am to 11:00am.
Over 2000 delegates are expected to attend the meeting that has traditionally been graced by the Head of State.
