Sanusi loses; Court dismisses suit against President Jonathan over suspension

Sanusi loses; Court dismisses suit against President Jonathan over suspension

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido, challenging the powers of President Goodluck Jonathan to suspend him from office.

In a judgment Tuesday, the court ruled it had no jurisdiction to hear the matter, saying the matter is a dispute between an employer and its employee.

The National Industrial Court, is in the best position to hear the matter, Justice Gabriel Kolawole ruled.

The court had on April 8 reserved judgment till today after hearing the respondent counsel’s preliminary objection and Mr. Sanusi’s counsel’s originating summons, as well as the adoption of same.

Mr. Sanusi had on February 24 challenged his suspension from office by the president and urged the court to reverse the decision.

The President, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Inspector-General of Police were joined as first, second and third defendants respectively, in the suit.

Mr. Sanusi had urged the court to restrain the defendants from “obstructing, disturbing, stopping or preventing him in any manner whatsoever, from performing the functions as Governor of the Central Bank’’.

Mr. Sanusi had also sought to be allowed to fully enjoy the statutory powers and privileges attached to the office, arguing that any delay might cause him irreparable and serious damages.

Ruling earlier, Mr. Kolawole had taken the substantive suit and preliminary objection together.

“In the instant case, where time is of essence, so that the plaintiff’s tenure does not expire before the case is determined, the court rules necessitate we hear both applications together.

“By Order 1 Rule 4 of the Federal High Court, it is judicially expedient that the hearing of the originating summons be heard with the preliminary objection,’’ he said.

Mr. Sanusi’s tenure as CBN boss ends in June.