Breeze FM drops Al-makura’s name in suit challenging demolition

THE Counsel representing Breeze FM, Ocha Ulegede, has dropped Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura’s name from the ongoing suit against Nasarawa State Government over the demolition of the station.

Breeze FM was demolished by the Nasarawa State Government two months ago following its alleged airing of the labour strike in the state.

Speaking at the High Court 4 Lafia, the Breeze FM counsel Ulegede who moved the motion for dropping of Al-makura’s name said they are opting for the removal of his name having realised that his name was not supposed to be included in the suit.

He explained that, the motion was for the withdrawal of the governor’s personal name and not his official capacity as the governor of Nasarawa State.

He lamented that the governor has denied members of the Breeze FM staff and management their means of livelihood, hence, the need for the judge to bear with their request for withdrawal.

On his part, the Counsel to Governor Al-makura, Shareef Mohammed said it was an error for the counsel to the plaintiff to have included the governor’s personal name in the suit.

He explained that section 308 of the 1999 constitution grants immunity to the governor against any civil or criminal suit, hence, the case should have been struck out from inception.

He urged the court to strike out the name of the governor from the suit and award a fine of N500,000 in favour of the governor

Ruling on the case, Justice James Abundha said the withdrawal of the governor’s personal name from the case was in order and wondered why it was initially included.

He, however, awarded a nominal fine of N50,000 in favour of Governor Al-makura and adjourned the case to September 29, due to the collective agreement by the counsels that the judge should hear the case after his two months’ vacation.