The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja has vacated its earlier order, freezing the bank accounts of the Abia State government.
Justice Bello Kawu, in an ex parte motion, had barred all banks from dealing with representatives of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, pending the determination of the motion filed by Uche Eni’s lawyer, Johnmary C. Jideobi, against the Accountant-General of Abia State, Uche Ihediwa (SAN), the Commissioner for Finance and about 26 banks and financial institutions.
The suit sought to permanently freeze Abia State’s bank accounts over alleged diversion of public funds by the outgoing government of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
In a motion of notice filed by Ihediwa, the State Government prayed the court to vacate the order made against the affected banks and financial institutions for being obtained mala fide (carried out in bad faith or with intent to deceive) and for want of jurisdiction.
At the proceedings on Thursday, Ihediwa contended that the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja does not touch another state. He further claimed that the applicant had not cited any instance of looting by the outgoing government but was making mere speculation to the court.
“The Interim order is hereby vacated”, said Justice Kawu while adjourning the main application to 27 day of April for hearing.
Reacting to the court’s ruling, Ihediwa said, “We are grateful to the court for vacating the order made ex parte against the accounts of the State Government in various banks. It was quite obvious from the beginning that the order was wrongly made, as the applicant failed to establish any grounds whatsoever to support the allegations of fraud and embezzlement of public funds against the government.”
Johnmary, however, argued that his application was made in the interest of the public.
The ruling has now allowed the government to pay civil servants their salaries and continue running the state effectively.
Tags: Abia State
