The Federal Government Monday urged a Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit by rights activist, Tunji Abayomi, challenging President Goodluck Jonathan’s powers to convene the on-going National Conference.
The government, in a notice of preliminary objection it filed, argued that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to initiate the suit. It also queried the court’s jurisdiction to hear the suit.
Aside challenging the convocation of the conference, Abayomi also prayed the court to declare it as null and void.
Listed as defendants in the suit include the Federal Government, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the conference, and its Secretary.
The lawyer to the FG and AGF, Femi Falana (SAN) argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case because the plaintiff, aside lacking the right to initiate the suit, disclosed no cause of action against the defendants.
He added that the President has the constitutional powers to convene the conference.
Falana urged the court to hear his objection with the plaintiff’s originating summons to prevent undue delay, a request the trial judge, Justice Abdulkadir Abdulkafarati granted
The presiding judge, Justice Abdul Kafarati granted the order.
Abayomi told the court that the conference’s Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary have been served with court processes.
It is his contention that the President lacked the powers to convene the conference without an authorizing legislation from the National Assembly.
The Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and other defendants were not represented in court yesterday. They also did not file any response.
The court has adjourned to May 8 for hearing.