The
preliminary objections brought by Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and
Representative Farouk Lawan seeking to uphold their immunity in the suit
filed by businessman Femi Otedola over a $620, 000 bribery allegation
has been struck out by an Abuja High Court for lack of merit.
Tambuwal and Lawan had in July and
November 2012 separately objected to Otedola’s claims of intimidation
and N250 billion in damages from the National Assembly following the
attempt to re-list his firm, Zenon Oil and Gas Ltd, in the list of
indicted firms in the fuel subsidy scam.
Defence counsels Mike Ahamba (SAN) and
Kehinde Ogunwumiju Esq. had argued that the principal officers of the
House of Representatives are covered under section 53 of the Legislative
Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2004.
In his ruling, Justice Peter Kekemeke,
held that he has the jurisdiction to entertain the matter. He further
held that Speaker Tambuwal is a necessary party in the suit because his
absence will affect the fair outcome of the matter. He adjourned the
suit to March 30 for hearing.
DailyTrust
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