A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Friday, declined jurisdiction to hear a case instituted by Human Rights activist and lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, in November 2015, challenging the appointment of Col Hameed Ali, Rtd, as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria nCustoms Service by Gen Muhammadu Buhari Rtd.
Adegboruwa had asked the court for an interpretation as to whether the President could appoint anyone as Comptroller General of customs without complying with Section 3 of the Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria made on 25th March 2002, where it was stipulated that only those within the rank of Deputy Comptroller General of Customs can be elevated as substantive Comptroller General and asking the court to nullify the appointment.
In response to the case, the Nigerian Customs service filed a preliminary objection dated 29th April, 2016, challenging the locus standi of the applicant to file and maintain the suit. The customs service contended further that Adegboruwa’s suit was a mere academic exercise raising hypothetical questions that the court should not entertain.
The court heard arguments from counsel to the parties on 15th June 2016 and adjourned for to September 16, 2016, for judgment.
But during proceedings on Friday, Adegboruwa appeared in person whilst the respondents, Gen Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation, were absent and unrepresented.
In its judgment, the court held that the President is empowered under Section 5 of the 1999 Constitution, to exercise all executive powers, either by himself directly or through officers delegated for that purpose. The court held further that under section 171 of the same Constitution, the President is empowered to appoint public officers and thus, the appointment of Col Hameed Ali, was validly made and same will stand in law, notwithstanding any non compliance with any existing gazette to the contrary.
It was the view of the court that although it was satisfied that Mr Adegboruwa merited the qualities narrated in his affidavit to qualify him to institute the action in court but he has not shown sufficient or special interest that robes him with the requisite locus standi to maintain the action, not being a customs officer himself and having not shown any way in which he has been or would be affected by the appointment.
The Court stated that the case of Senator Abraham Adesanya v President, FRN, is still the locus classicus on issue of locus standi and that it would not agree with Mr Adegboruwa that the latter case of Chief Gani Fawehinmi v President, FRN, has opened the floodgate for citizens to challenge all government actions. The court then upheld the preliminary objection of the respondents and struck out the case without any order as to costs.
Responding, Mr Adegboruwa commended the wisdom of the learned judge and stated that he filed the case upon his conviction that all the actions of our leaders must conform with law and due process. He pleaded with the judge to assist in furnishing copies of the judgment to the parties.
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