Justice Amina Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Awka Judicial Division, has scheduled March 4, 2025, to rule on a motion regarding Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, and six others. They are being sued for managing the affairs of the state’s 21 local government areas without democratically elected officials, which contravenes the law.
The defendants in the suit, numbered FHC/AWK/CS/90/2024, filed by activist Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, include the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Governor of Anambra State, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Anambra State, and the Anambra State House of Assembly. Additionally, former governors Senator Chris Ngige, Peter Obi, Willie Obiano, and Mr. Livinus Onyenwe, who served under the Soludo administration, are also named.
The plaintiff seeks several reliefs, including banning Soludo and his predecessors from contesting elections, seeking re-election, or holding public office due to their violation of the 1999 constitution (as amended). The plaintiff also wants the defendants to publicly account for all funds spent during their administrations and demands N100 billion in exemplary damages.
During the court session, Senior State Counsel Peter Odili requested an extension of time for the defendants to file their defense. The motion for extension was dated May 28, 2024, and filed on June 13, 2024. The plaintiff, representing himself, opposed the motion, arguing that the court cannot grant an extension of time when its jurisdiction is being challenged. Justice Mohammed, after hearing both parties, set March 4, 2025, for the ruling and hearing of the substantive suit.
AT Reporter
