President Bola Tinubu is seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit aimed at compelling the National Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against him.
The lawsuit, filed by lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje, accuses the Tinubu administration of suppressing peaceful protests, alleging violations of citizens’ rights.
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Tinubu’s legal team argues that Ogungbeje lacks the legal standing to file the case, as he claims to have not been directly affected by the alleged rights violations. The defense also asserts that the lawsuit fails to present a reasonable cause of action and that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The lawsuit highlights incidents between August 1 and 10, 2024, in which the government allegedly cracked down on peaceful protests nationwide. However, the Tinubu administration has defended its actions, stating that it has consistently allowed citizens to express grievances through peaceful demonstrations.
In a counter affidavit, Gbemga Oladimeji, a principal state counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice, clarified that the protests in question were peaceful, with a court order confining the demonstrations to designated areas. Oladimeji further emphasized that security forces were deployed to protect protesters and prevent any disruptions from individuals with ill intentions.
Justice James Omotosho has adjourned the case until March 4, giving Ogungbeje’s counsel time to respond to Tinubu’s preliminary objection.
