An Australian senator has resigned after realising he holds dual citizenship, meaning his nine-year parliamentary career most likely breached the nation's constitution.
Scott Ludlam, from the minor Greens party, said he only learned of his New Zealand citizenship last week.
Under Australia's constitution, a person cannot run for federal office if they hold dual or plural citizenship.
Mr Ludlam had been told his eligibility would be challenged in court.
The senator, who was also Greens co-deputy leader, apologised for what he called an "avoidable oversight".
"This was my error, something I should have checked when I first nominated for [Senate] pre-selection in 2006," he said, adding that he was "personally devastated".
How did it emerge?
Mr Ludlam was three years old when he left New Zealand with his family.
He said he assumed he had relinquished New Zealand citizenship when he was naturalised as an Australian in his teens.
Mr Ludlam was alerted to his status last week by a member of the public who had "done the digging for whatever reason".
The 47-year-old senator said he had been informed of a looming challenge to his eligibility in Australia's High Court.
"I could have dug my heels in, but it creates a messy and protracted dispute. That section of the constitution is crystal clear," he said.
Mr Ludlam could have surrendered his New Zealand citizenship - had he known about it - to stand for office within the rules.

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-40604064?ocid=socialflow_twitter

CC: lalastic lalasticlala

Ekakamba:
If na Nigerian senator, the ediot no go ever quit even if there're clear crime charges against him the legitlooter polythiefam.

As in...the matter weak me o!

Politics is a career only in Nigeria...

I believe God brought me at this time to liberate my people..

dlondonbadboy:
Politics is a career only in Nigeria...

I believe God brought me at this time to liberate my people..

Your people being?

icon8:


Your people being?

God's own people....ndi igbo!

Not in Nigeria

Whas the comparison. It's unconstitutional in Australia doesn't mean it's illegal in other countries. Example UK l, US and everywhere else Nigerians abroad hold office. We're born with our Nigerian citizenship by lineage.