Suit against 4 Anambra governors over LGs FAAC allocations stalled as judge inexplicably absent

Matter adjourned till November 13, 2024

A suit filed by Activist, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, at the Federal High Court, Awka Division, Anambra State, seeking account for Local Government (LG) funds, was on Thursday, September 26, 2022, stalled following the absence of the trial judge, Justice Amina Aliyu Muhammad.

The suit had been fixed for hearing on July 17 but could not proceed as the presiding judge, Justice Hauwa J. Yilwa, was transferred to another location.

The suit was reassigned to Justice Muhammad after the annual Federal High Court vacation.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) was informed last week that hearing notices were issued to all parties to the suit for September 26.

However, the court did not sit as scheduled over judge’s absence, though the plaintiff and defendants were present.

Meanwhile, no reason was given for the absence of Justice Muhammad, who did not show up at all in the court.

A new date of November 13, 2024, was assigned for hearing of the matter.

Origin of the suit

It could be recalled that DDM reported on May 3, 2024, that former governors of Anambra State are neck-deep in trouble over the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds allocated to the 21 Local Government Councils in the state since 2003.

The affected governors include Dr. Christopher Ngige, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi and Mr. Williams Maduabuchukwu Obiano.

Also affected is the state government led by the current governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

Only the administration of Dr. Chinwoke Clement Mbadinuju was exempt from the suit.

His exemption was evidently as a result of his death, which sad event took place on April 11, 2023.

The bone of contention is FAAC allocation to the 21 Local Governments in the state beginning with the administration of Dr. Ngige.

Ifeanyi Okonkwo demands accountability

Trouble started with a suit filed by Dr. Okonkwo at the Federal High Court of Anambra State holden at Awka.

The suit, filed on April 17, 2024, with case no. FHC/AWK/CS/90/2024, was initiated by Okonkwo, the Plaintiff.

The eight Defendants in the suit are as follows:

1. The Federal Republic of Nigeria
2. Governor of Anambra State
3. The Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice Anambra State
4. The Anambra State House of Assembly
5. Former Governor Chief Dr. Christopher Ngige
   (For himself and on behalf of – the Local Government Transition Chairmen and Councilors (Committees),
6. Former Governor Mr. Peter Obi (for himself, and on behalf of – the Local Government Transition Chairmen and Councilors (Committees),
7. Former Governor Chief Dr. Williams Maduabuchukwu Obiano
   (For himself, and on behalf of – the Local Government Transition Chairmen and Councilors (Committees),
8. Mr. Livinus Onyenwe
   (For himself and on behalf of the Local Government Transition Chairmen and Councillor’s (Committees) serving under Soludo.

Speaking to DDM at the court premises yesterday, Dr. Okonkwo expressed disappointment for the turn of events.

He, however, was hopeful that the matter will turn out positively for Anambra residents.

According to him, Anambra people may have been shortchanged by their leaders over the years via FAAC funds disbursement.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook