The Supreme Court has fixed May 9th, 2013 for definite settlement report in the suit filed by the 36 state governors, challenging the alleged maintenance and illegal deductions from the federation account by the federal government.

This is coming after 12 adjournments for report of amicable settlement which has proved unsuccessful since 2008.

Presiding judge , Justice Chukwuma Eneh, who led a panel of six other justices of the Supreme Court , in a ruling said, “having listened to counsels in the matter and the failure of the defendant to report back on terms of amicable settlement, this matter is hereby adjourned to May 9th, 2013 for report of settlement or a definite hearing date.”

Counsel to the federal government, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) had told the court that the defendant is interested in an all-inclusive meeting with all the governors who are the plaintiffs to resolve the lingering issues.

He described the matter as “purely political”, which ought to be resolved outside the court.

Lead counsel for the governors, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo however prayed the court for a definite hearing date against what he describes as “unresolved issues” between the plaintiffs and the defendant.

According to the lawyer, the case is obviously above the resolve of counsels in the matter, but justifiable by the court.