By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja has dismissed suit filed by five residents of the federal capital territory, seeking to stop the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29.
Justice Ekwo held that the suit is an abuse of court process, adding that the plaintiff lacked the locus to institute the case, haven failed to prove that the matter is not before the tribunal.
Consequently, the court in it’s judgement ordered the plaintiff’s lawyer, Chuks Nwachukwu, to pay the sum of N10milliin each to the Attorney -General of the Federation (AGF)and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
According to the court, Nwachukwu’s act was unprofessional, reckless, frivolous and complete lack of knowledge of elementary principal of law it relates to the constitution and Electoral Act 2022.
Specifically, the court held that it lacks jurisdiction to entertain the suit, adding that the matter is predicated on election matters and ought to be taken to the presidential election tribunal.
Justice Ekwo added that there is no provision before the court to stop the CJN from swearing-in President, Tinubu.
The CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwola had on May 29, sworn in Bola Tinubu as the President of Nigeria.
Justice Ekwo also condemned his comment on the media and said if Nwachukwu who was absent in court were to be present, he would have been bared from entering the court.
Following the lawyer’s absence in court, Justice Ekwo made an order directing the register to forward all the processes to the legal practitioners disciplinary committee to determine whether he is fit to practice the legal profession.
Justice Ekwo held that failure of the plaintiff counsel to comply with the court ruling, amounts to contempt of court.
Moreover, the judge insisted that the counsel instigated the suit and merely got the plaintiffs to stand in as parties while he handles the suit as a lawyer.
