Metro
Court Throws Out Keyamo’s Suit Against Atiku, Slams N10m Cost on Former Minister
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday dismissed the suit instituted by Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN (erstwhile Minister of State, Labour and Productivity), against former Vice-President and the PDP candidate in the last presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
In a ruling delivered on the preliminary Objections filed by Atiku’s Counsel, Prof. Mike Ozekhome and Miss Oluwakemi Odogun of the ICPC, the Honorable Justice James Omotosho in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/84/2023 also awarded the sum of N10 million cost against Keyamo, to be paid by him in the sum of N5 million to Atiku and N5 Million to the ICPC, respectively. The court also added a 10% interest rate per annum until full liquidation of same.
Festus Keyamo had in the suit through his Counsel, Mr. Festus Ukpe, Esq, sought an order of the court to compel the Code Of Conduct Bureau (CCB), EFCC and ICPC to Invite and/or arrest, investigate and prosecute Atiku Abubakar; with a supporting affidavit deposed to by one Michael Achimugu, who alleged that Atiku used a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to corruptly enrich himself while he was Vice- President of Nigeria. He had therefore sought orders of the court to direct and/or compel the Anti-Graft Agencies to arrest, Investigate and prosecute Atiku.
In response to the originating process, Atiku had through his counsel Ozekhome, raised a preliminary objection to the suit, to the effect that Keyamo lacked the locus standi to institute the said suit, having failed to disclose what he suffered over and beyond other members of the public. Ozekhomne, further contended in his written response for Atiku that Keyamo did not disclose any wrong done to him by Atiku, or what damage he had suffered; describing him as a busybody and meddlesome interloper, as the entire suit disclosed no reasonable cause of action whatsoever. While arguing the matter, Barr Benson Igbanoi, Esq, holding the brief of Ozekhome also argued that the suit constituted a gross abuse of office, the plaintiff being a public officer, occupying a public office and using public funds to file and prosecute same. He further contended that the suit was indeed instituted in bad faith; frivolous; vexatious and therefore a waste of precious judicial time. Justice James Omotosho, in a well-considered ruling, agreed wholly with Ozekhome that Keyamo lacked locus standi to institute the suit, having failed to establish any special interest over and beyond other members of the public, or show any damage suffered by him.
The court went further to hold that Keyamo’s letter to the CCB, ICPC, and EFCC (2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants, respectively in the suit) in which he gave them an ultimatum of 72 hours to arrest, investigate and prosecute Atiku, was done in bad faith, as the agencies were not in any way his errand boys. The court posed the question, if 72 hours were ever sufficient to investigate and commence the prosecution of allegations of such magnitude, to which Justice Omotosho in his answer, said was a CAPITAL NO!
The court, therefore, concluded that the action of the plaintiff in rushing to file the suit was a move done in bad faith, more so coming from a lawyer of his standing. The court also frowned at the unconscionable manner the plaintiff behaved as public institutions must be regarded and protected. The Judge commended the EFCC and ICPC for showing restraint and not allowing themselves to take orders from Keyamo (the plaintiff) as if they were his servants.
Consequently, the court dismissed the suit in its entirety for being frivolous, Vexatious and an abuse of court process, with a cost of N5 million each against Keyamo respectively in favour of Atiku and the ICPC respectively; with a 10% interest per annum, until full liquidation of same.
Real estate giant, Adron Homes, has organised a well orchestrated dynamic Fitness Hangout Event, firmly rooted in the principles of team bonding, safety prioritization, and wellness culture promotion in the workplace, in celebration of this year’s World Day for Safety and Health, Adron Homes
In his opening speech, the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Michael Oyadele, set the tone for the event by articulating the paramount importance of these values.
Mr. Oyadele’s address resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the organization’s commitment to fostering a work environment that prioritizes the well-being of its employees.
The event boasted an impressive turnout, with senior directors of Adron Homes, led by the Deputy Managing Director, Mrs. Adenike Ajobo, in attendance.
Mrs. Ajobo’s commendations further underscored the significance of such gatherings in cultivating a positive and supportive work atmosphere. Moreover, the event welcomed esteemed guests from the Omole Phase 1 Community and other organizations, including Dr. Kalu Genevieve, the PRO/Head of Medical at Lasena Water, who enlightened attendees on the importance of alkaline minerals in the body, found abundantly in Lasena water.
Additionally, the presence of a trained Dietician, Rejoice Okudiri, added depth to the event, offering valuable guidance on adopting healthy eating habits for optimal well-being.
As the organizer of this impactful initiative, Mr Emmanuel Oladapo, the Director of the Adron Sport Foundation (ASF), expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants and guests for their invaluable contributions. He reaffirmed Adron Homes’ commitment to extending the reach of such initiatives beyond the confines of the workplace, aiming to instill a culture of safety and wellness within the broader community.
With a promise to expand the scope of these endeavors, Adron Homes continues to champion the cause of safety, health, and wellness, paving the way for a healthier and happier society.
Adron Homes: Building Communities and Homes!
Broadcasting company Multichoice has jacked up the prices of its offerings in Nigeria four months after its last increment.
The company reviewed prices in its packages across the board. The new prices will take effect from May 1, 2024.
With the latest price hike, the DStv Premium package increased from N29,500 to N37,000. Similarly, the DStv Compact+ went up from N19,800 to N25,000 while the Compact package increased from N12,500 to N15,700.
The Comfam package moved from N7,400 to N9,300. Yanga package moved up from 4,200 to N5,100 while Padi package increased from N2,950 to N3,600. HDPVR was increased from N4,000 to N5,000, the Access Fees package from N4,000 to N5,000, and XtraView moved from N4,000 to N5,000.
Meanwhile, the Gotv Supa+ package moved from N12,500 to N15,700, Supa package from N7,600 to N9,600, and Max package from N5,700 to N7,200.
While the Jolli package was jacked up from N3,950 to N4,850, the Jinja package moved from N2,700 to N3,300, and Smallie package from N1,300 to N1,575.
It will be recalled that the company implemented an upward review of prices in December 2023, days after announcing a $72m loss in its financial statement for the third quarter of the year.
Checks on the company’s reviewed price list then showed a 20 per cent per cent hike in the company’s packages across the board.
A former spokesperson of the Atiku/Okowa presidential campaign, Daniel Bwala, has said the girl being bullied by her classmates in a viral video, is not his daughter, as originally speculated.
While commending the girl in thr video for her restraint and calmness, Bwala explained that the girl in the video is not his daughter, noting that he doesn’t have any children studying in the said school. He however, informed that if it were one of his children, the scenario would’ve been different as there would’ve been a fight in self-defense.
He stated that he had reported the incident to the necessary authorities to investigate the matter and give justice to the abused girl. He noted that when contacted, the school authorities claimed that the two girls were minors and should be treated as such.
“My attention has been drawn to a viral video circulating on all social media platforms alleging that my daughter was bullied or assaulted. For the record, the young girl in the video is not my daughter, I do not know her, nor do I have any of my children studying in that school. Whilst the young girl in the video showed extreme decorum and restraint (and should be commended), if it were any of my children, the scenario would not go without a fight in the exercise of self-defense,” be said.
