ABUJA – The appearance of two different counsel for Malabu Oil and Gas in an Abuja Federal High Court on Monday, stalled proceedings in the suit it filed against the House of Representatives.
The company sued the House of Representatives over the lower chambers’ alleged interference in Malabu Oil and Gas ownership tussle.
Also joined as defendants are Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Clerk of the National Assembly,
Salisu Maikasuwa; Rep. Leo Ogor, Chairman Ad-hoc committee investigating Malabu Oil and the Attorney-General of
the Federation.
At the mention of the case, Mr Mahmud Magaji (SAN) announced appearance for Malabu, but another lawyer, Dr Reuben Atabo, also announced appearance.
Mahmoud, therefore, made an oral application for the adjournment of the matter to enable both counsel laying claim to the legal representation of the plaintiff to sort themselves out.
“We are seeking the indulgence of the court for an adjournment to enable us sort out issues relating to appearance for the plaintiff,’’ he said.
Atabo and the defendant’s counsel did not object to Mahmoud’s application for adjournment.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed, therefore, adjourned the case until July 8, for hearing.
Mohammed ordered that hearing notice be served on the Attorney-General of the Federation to enable him enter appearance.
The plaintiff, in its originating summons, challenged the constitutional powers of the House of Reps Ad-hoc Committee which on Feb. 18 purportedly exercised judicial powers.
According to the company, the lower chamber is not a court and so it cannot exercise judicial powers of resolving any dispute between its directors and/or shareholders.
It, therefore, urged the court to grant an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from interfering in the company’s dispute.
The company also asked the court to compel the defendants to pay her N2 billion as aggravated and exemplary damages for the unlawful interference. (NAN)
