ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Federal Capital Territory High sitting in Apo, Abuja, has vacated its earlier order freezing the bank accounts of the Abia State government.
Justice Bello Kawu in an exparte motion no: M/6686/2023 had barred all the banks from dealing with representatives of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The ban is dependent on the determination of the motion filed by Mr Uche Eni’s lawyer, Johnmary C. Jideobi, against the Accountant-General of Abia State, Uche Ihediwa SAN, the Commissioner for Finance and about 26 banks and financial institutions.
In response, in a motion of notice filed by the state Accountant General, the Governor prayed the court to vacate the order made against the affected banks and financial institutions for lack of jurisdiction and for being obtained mala fide (carried out in bad faith or with intent to deceive).
On Thursday during the proceedings, Ihediwa contended that the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja does not touch another state.
The Whistler reports that Ihediwa further claimed that the applicant has not cited any instance of looting by the outgoing government but was making mere speculation to the court.
He urged the court to vacate the order so that the Governor could pay civil servants, and to also enable him run his government efficiently.
Johnmary, however, argued that his application was made in interest of the public.
In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Kawu held that interim orders should last for seven days.
Also, he aligned with the submission of Ihediwa that civil servants should be paid.
While adjourning the main application to 27 day of April for hearing, Kawu said “the Interim order is hereby vacated”.
The main suit seeks to permanently freeze the Abia state bank accounts on the grounds of alleged diversion of public funds by the outgoing government.