“You’ve No Power to Order My Impeachment” – Tinubu Tells Court

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to compel the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against him over alleged human rights violations. The case, filed by legal practitioner Olukoya Ogungbeje, accuses the Tinubu administration of suppressing peaceful protests and argues that such actions constitute an impeachable offense.

The plaintiff contends that between August 1 and 10, 2024, the government violently clamped down on protesters across the country, an act he describes as misconduct warranting Tinubu’s removal. Citing Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, he argues that the National Assembly is obligated to act. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1334/2024, also names the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, as a co-defendant.

In response, President Tinubu and the AGF have filed a joint preliminary objection, questioning the legal standing of the plaintiff to bring the case forward. They argue that Ogungbeje is acting on behalf of unspecified individuals and has not personally suffered any rights violations. According to them, only those whose rights have been directly infringed upon can seek redress in court under Section 46 of the Constitution.

The defense team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Sanusi Musa, contends that the suit lacks a reasonable cause of action and should be struck out for procedural irregularities. They maintain that Tinubu’s administration upholds democratic principles, allowing citizens to voice grievances and hold peaceful demonstrations.

A counter-affidavit, filed by principal state counsel Gbemga Oladimeji of the Federal Ministry of Justice, insists that the protests in question were conducted peacefully under a court order that confined demonstrators to specific locations. The affidavit also states that security agents were present to protect protesters from possible disruptions by hoodlums. Furthermore, it argues that Tinubu has not violated his oath of office or engaged in any conduct that would justify impeachment.

Justice James Omotosho has adjourned the case to March 4, giving the plaintiff’s counsel, Stanley Okonmah, time to respond to the preliminary objections raised by the President and the AGF.