Court dismisses eligibility suit against Jonathan, awards N21m fine against lawyer

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed a suit filed by a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, seeking to stop former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgment, also awarded a N20 million fine against Jideobi and in favour of the ex-president.

He equally awarded a one million fine against the plaintiff and in favour of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Justice Lifu held that Jideobi lacked the legal right to have instituted the suit having not suffered any loss from his perceived Jonathan’s intention to vie for the next year poll.

The judge, who said that a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and an Appeal Court had already held that Jonathan was eligible to run, said he was bound by the decision of the appellate court.

The judge then described the lawyer’s suit as “an abuse of court process.”

Justice Lifu also dismissed the Jideobi’s motion seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the case for being frivolous.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jideobi had sued Jonatha, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and AGF as 1st to 3rf defendants respectively.

(NAN)

Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 2,000 personnel for patrol operations in Benue

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Benue State has deployed more than 2,000 personnel and operational equipment across strategic locations in the state to ensure safer roads and smooth movement of travellers during the Eid-el-Kabir.

The Public Education/Protocol Officer, Ngozi Ahula made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

She said that the special patrol exercise, which began on Monday, was expected to end on Friday.

According to her, the exercise was part of the corps’ mandate to promote road safety, manage traffic effectively and reduce road crashes often associated with increased movement during festive seasons.

She said that the operation would feature intensified visibility patrols, traffic control measures, public enlightenment campaigns and rapid rescue services aimed at guaranteeing hitch-free journeys for motorists and commuters across major routes in Benue.

Ahula added that the exercise was meant to strengthen enforcement and emergency response.

“The command released nearly 20 patrol vehicles, ambulances, heavy-duty tow trucks and other traffic management facilities that are strategically positioned across identified flashpoints and crash-prone corridors within the state. Mobile courts have been placed on standby to prosecute traffic offenders and enforce strict adherence to road safety regulations throughout the period of the operation,” she said.

Ahula said that the Sector Commander, Victory Kayode-Oni, has assured residents and travellers of full operational coverage before, during and after the celebration,” she

She further said that Kayode-Oni reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while urging motorists to obey traffic laws and avoid speeding, dangerous driving, overloading, and driving under the influence of alcohol or fatigue.

The public education officer added that Kayode-Oni also warned that the special patrol would pay close attention to major traffic violations, including drunk driving, use of mobile phones while driving and other unsafe road practices.

She appealed to passengers and other road users to cooperate with FRSC operatives and promptly report reckless driving or road obstructions to nearby patrol teams.

(NAN)

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