Budget Padding: Jibrin Withdraws Suit Challenging House On Suspension

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Friday, October 21st, 2016

ABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. AbdulMumin Jibrin has withdrawn his suit, challenging his recent suspension by the lower legislative chamber, from a Federal High Court, Abuja.

Following the announcement of notice to this effect by Jibri’s Counsel, Mr. Chukuma Nwachukwu, Justice John Tsoho Friday at the hearing, subsequently struck out the suit.

The Counsel told the court that his client has sent him a notice dated October 11 2016, indicating his decision to back out from the suit.

Counsel to defendants, Mr. Kalu Onuoha, did not oppose the application, but asked for a fine of N200, 000 for the processes filed by them.

Justice Tsoho however declined the prayer, contending that they (defendants) were “strong institution and personality”.

On his own, Nwachukwu, opposed the application on the ground that the defendants did not file any defence on the matter.

Justice Tsoho also said the defendants filed many processes on the suit, before the court went on vacation in July 2016.

Hon. Jibrin was recently suspended for 180 legislative days by the House, following his refusal to appear before its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, to justify his allegation of budget padding against the four Principal Officers of the House, including the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; his Deputy, Yusuf Lasun, Chief Whip and Minority Leader.

The allegation was followed by his sack by Dogara, as the Head of House Appropriation Committee.