Rivers State
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday slated November 15, 2017 to commence hearing of the suit filed by the Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Nigerian Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the State Security Service (SSS).
Wike, in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/383,2017, is seeking an order of injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from searching any of his houses in Abuja or any other part of the country.
Among other prayers, the plaintiff is seeking jointly and severally a declaration that by virtue of the provision of Section 308 of the Constitution, the defendants cannot whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers privies or in any manner howsoever apply for, obtain, issue or in any way or manner howsoever execute any court process requiring the appearance of the plaintiff who is currently the Governor of Rivers state, Nigeria.
The matter could not go on yesterday as parties were yet to file and serve some of the court processes.
When the case was called, Wike’s lawyer, William Attah, informed the court that the matter could not proceed based on two reasons.
“My Lord, the 1st reason is that we have just filed our reply to the 1st and 2nd respondents’ counter-affidavits. The said reply has been served on the respondents. Unfortunately, we are unable to serve the 3rd respondent. We undertake to serve them in court.
“Secondly, this morning, the third respondent served on us her counter affidavit to our originating summon. We intend to react to the same application.
“In the circumstances, we respectfully apply for a date, and after conferring with the 3rd respondent, we agreed November 15,” Attah told the court.
In a short ruling, Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed granted the request, and consequently adjourned hearing of the suit to November 15, just as he directed that hearing notice should be issued on the 4th respondent.
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