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FG Challenges Jurisdiction of Court To Entertain Sanusi’s Suit

The Federal Government has challenged the jurisdiction of a Federal High Court in Abuja to entertain the suit filed by the suspended Governor of the … Continue reading FG Challenges Jurisdiction of Court To Entertain Sanusi’s Suit


The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

The Federal Government has challenged the jurisdiction of a Federal High Court in Abuja to entertain the suit filed by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi over his suspension from the apex bank.

At the hearing of the suit in Abuja, counsel to the federal government, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) told the court that it lacks the jurisdiction to entertain a labour dispute between an employee and his employer as the National Industrial Court is the proper place for such a suit.

Lawyer to the suspended governor, Kola Awodein (SAN), however argued that the suit was properly filed before the court and prayed the court to determine the suit expeditiously.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole after listening to all the parties for and against the hearing of the suit adjourned it to the April 8 to hear the originating summons filed by Mr Sanusi along with the preliminary objection filed by the federal government.

“The drafters of the law did not state categorically which case can be determined by taking both the preliminary objection and originating summons together.

“In the instant case, where time is of essence, so that the plaintiff’s tenure does not expire before the case is determined, the court rules necessitate we hear both applications together.

“By Order 1 Rule 4 of the Federal High Court, it is judicially expedient that the hearing of the originating summons be heard with the preliminary objection,’’ Kolawole said.