Power outage at the Federal High Court Complex in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday,
stalled hearing in a suit filed by suspended Central Bank Governor, Sanusi
Lamido Sanusi.
Sanusi is seeking an order of the court to stop the Financial Reporting
Council of Nigeria (FRCN) from investigating him.
The trial judge, Justice James Tsoho, therefore, adjourned the case to
April 17, for hearing.
The court, following persistent cuts in public power supply, had relied
solely on generating sets.
The generators could, however, not supply power to the 10 courtrooms, a
situation that forced several courts to adjourn cases earlier listed for
hearing.
The counsels to the plaintiff and defendants were in court.
Sanusi had filed the suit through his counsel, Mr Kola Awodehin (SAN),
seeking a declaration that the conduct of FRCN, actions and decision is
ultra vires.
Other prayers include: “A declaration that the defendant’s recommendation
regarding the plaintiff in briefing note dated June 7, 2013, that he be
removed from office as CBN of Governor, were ultra vires under the FRCN
Act 2011.
“A declaration that the proposed investigation as advertised in the Punch
newspaper of March 24, in the circumstance of having reached a conclusion
in the briefing note of June 2013, before embarking on the investigation,
is tantamount to a breach of natural justice.
“A declaration that the defendant do not have the power to conduct
investigation as advertised in the newspaper.”
Sanusi also sought for an order restraining the defendants or their
privies, under its authority, or pursuant to the FRCN Act, from conducting
and continuing with any investigation or inquiry as advertised.
He also asked the court to order the setting aside or nullification of any
report, conclusion or recommendation, based on any investigation conducted
by FRCN, as advertised in the Punch Newspaper.
The defence had filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction
of the court to hear the suit.
The trial judge had ruled that he would hear the defendant’s objection and
the plaintiff’s motion together.
Tsoho had ordered that the status quo as at the time of instituting the
suit be maintained until the suit is determined. (NAN)