Tinubu moves to dismiss suit challenging his handling of hunger protests

DDM News

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) source, President Bola Tinubu has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a lawsuit challenging his competence in managing the hunger protests that took place across the country from August 1 to 10, 2024.

In a preliminary objection filed alongside Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi, Tinubu argued that the suit lacked merit and should be struck out.

The legal team contended that the case, filed by lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje, had no valid cause of action since the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to question the president’s handling of the protests.

The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1334/2024, was lodged on September 4, 2024.

Ogungbeje is seeking six reliefs, including a court order compelling the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Tinubu over alleged violations of fundamental rights during the protests.

The lawyer claims that the government’s response to the demonstrations amounted to gross misconduct, which is an impeachable offense under Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution.

However, Tinubu’s legal team dismissed the allegations as unfounded.

They argued that Ogungbeje failed to prove any personal injury or rights violation resulting from the government’s handling of the protests.

They also maintained that the security measures implemented during the demonstrations were lawful and aimed at maintaining order.

The hunger protests erupted in several parts of the country due to rising food prices and worsening economic conditions.

Demonstrators accused the government of failing to address the food crisis, leading to widespread protests.

While critics alleged that security forces used excessive force to suppress dissent, the administration insisted that the protests were managed within legal limits.

Officials maintained that security agencies acted solely to protect demonstrators and prevent chaos.

In a counter-affidavit, the AGF emphasized that President Tinubu remained committed to democratic governance, including the right to peaceful protests.

The government’s lawyers argued that there was no constitutional violation in the way the demonstrations were handled and no breach of the president’s oath of office that would justify impeachment.

During Monday’s court session, Ogungbeje’s lawyer, Stanley Okonmah, requested an adjournment to allow his client to respond to the objections raised by Tinubu’s legal team.

Justice James Omotosho granted the request and scheduled the next hearing for March 4, 2025.

As legal proceedings continue, the case has sparked national debate over the government’s response to the protests and the broader issue of economic hardship.

Some Nigerians see the lawsuit as an opportunity to hold public officials accountable, while others argue that Tinubu’s administration acted within the law to manage the demonstrations.

The outcome of the case will determine whether the court finds merit in the arguments or dismisses the suit entirely.

Meanwhile, the hunger crisis that fueled the protests remains a major concern, with citizens demanding urgent government action to address food insecurity.

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