Jonathan, AGF kick against Olotu suit over gross misconduct

President Goodluck Jonathan and the attorney-general of the federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) have asked a  Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to strike out a suit filed by retired Justice Gladys Olotu to challenge her retirement from office as a judge by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Justice Olotu was retired as a judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja by the president on the recommendation of the NJC recently. She had approached the court to set aside her compulsory retirement.

She sued President Jonathan and the AGF alongside the NJC, the chief justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Mukhtar, and the chief judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta.

But in a notice of preliminary objection filed by their counsel, Taiwo Abidogun, the president and the AGF asked the court presided by Justice Adeniyi Ademola to dismiss Justice Olotu’s suit.

They argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter.

They insisted that the suit should not have been filed at the FHC as section 254 (c) of the Constitution vested jurisdiction on employment matters on the National Industrial Court.

“The Federal High Court has no jurisdiction over employment matters by virtue of sections 251 and 254 of the 1999 Constitution.

“We are of the humble opinion that this matter is best struck out to save time and cost of both the court and the parties.

“We submit that this matter be struck out for want of jurisdiction and humbly urge your Lordship to so hold,” they argued.

Justice Ademola fixed April 28 to hear the main suit.

Justice Olotu was relieved of her duties after the NJC found her guilty of gross misconduct following investigations into petitions brought against her. (0)

Jonathan, AGF kick against Olotu suit over gross misconduct