21st March, 2014
Akin Kuponiyi
The Federal Government on Friday told a Federal High Court in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, that the tenure of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was characterised by various acts of financial recklessness and misconduct which are inconsistent with the administration and vision of any central bank.
In an objection filed before the court by Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Mohammed Adoke, against the Fundamental Human Rights suit filed by Sanusi, the AGF also contended that the Federal High Court does not have the jurisdiction to entertain the matter between Sanusi and the Federal Government because it is relating to labour, employment and industrial relations.
He insisted that it is the National Industrial Court that has exclusive jurisdiction to hear the case.
Adoke further averred that a letter dated 26 February, 2013, written by Sanusi in his capacity as the CBN governor containing the audited account of the CBN ended 31 December, 2012, was sent to President Goodluck Jonathan and through a letter dated 13 April, 2013, the President forwarded the audited account to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRCN for examination and advice.
The FRCN subsequently released a damning report on the operations of the CBN under Sanusi with a 13-page report making far reaching allegations of financial impropriety against him.
He said in view of the findings by the FRCN, the President was urged to exercise the powers conferred on him by the CBN Act of 2007, and suspend Sanusi and also direct the FRCN to carry out a full investigation of the CBN.
Adoke said, having taken special notice of the FRCN and other investigative bodies, the President ordered the immediate suspension of Sanusi via a letter of suspension dated 19 February, 2014.
He said Sanusi was suspended pending the end of investigation of the matter in the interest of the Nigerian economy.
When the matter was mention this morning, AGF lawyer Fabian Ajoku SAN and David Abuwo representing the Inspector General of Police and A. M. Musa appearing for the State Security Service, SSS, in the application filed before the court asked the court to give them more time to regularise their position.
The application was not opposed by Sanusi’s counsel, Kola Awodeyin, and consequently the application was granted.
At this point the presiding judge, Ibrahim Buba, adjourned the matter till 31 March for hearing of substantive suit.