Anastasia Okechukwu Reporting
The Federal High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital territory, has vacated its order freezing the bank accounts of the Abia State Government.
Recall, Truthlive news had reported that Justice Bello Kawu in an exparte motion no: M/6686/2023 freeze all bank accounts belonging to the state government and barred all the banks from dealing with representatives of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu pending 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.
Following the order by the court, Abia legal team led by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Chief Uche Ihediwa, filed two applications before the Court, urging the Court to vacate the order because it was made pursuant to a defective affidavit.
At the proceedings on Thursday, Ihediwa contended that the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja does not touch another state.
He 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 civil servants could be paid by the governor as well as for him to run his government efficiently.
But Johnmary argued that his application was made in interest of the public.
Ruling on Thursday, Justice Kawu held that interim orders should last for seven days.
He also aligned with the submission of Ihediwa that civil servants should be paid.
“The Interim order is hereby vacated, ” said Kawu while adjourning the main application to 27 day of April for hearing.
The main suit seeks to permanently freeze the Abia state bank accounts on the ground of alleged diversion of public funds by the outgoing government.