Annotated alteration evidence — page 216

“Secret society” includes any society, association, group or body of persons (whether registered or not) - (a) that uses secret signs, oaths, rites or symbols and which is formed to promote a cause, the purpose or part of the purpose of which is to foster the interest of its members and to aid one another under any circumstances without due regard to merit, fair play or justice, to the detriment of the legitimate interest of those who are not members; (b) the membership of which is incompatible with the function or dignity of any public office under this Constitution and whose members are sworn to observe oaths of secrecy; or (c) the activities of which are not known to the public at large, the names of whose members are kept secret and whose meetings and other activities are held in secret; “State” when used otherwise than in relation to one of the component parts of the Federation, includes government. (2) Wherever it is provided that any authority or person has power to make, recommend or approve an appointment to an office, such power shall be construed as including the power to make, recommend or approve a person for such appointment, whether on promotion or otherwise, or to act in any such office. (3) In this Constitution, references to a person holding an office shall include references to a person acting in such office. (4) The Interpretation Act shall apply for the purpose of interpreting the provisions of this Constitution. [Cap. I23 LFN] 319. Citation This Constitution may be cited as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. 320. Commencement The provisions of this Constitution shall come into force on 29th day of May 1999. 210 The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Updated with the First, Second , Third and Fourth Alterations