A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikorodu Tuesday stopped the Lagos State House of Assembly from probing the allegation of financial impropriety levelled against both the executive and legislative arms of the state government. The presiding judge, Justice Habeeb Olawale Abiru, described the House’s action as illegal and a violation of the principles of natural justice.
He, however, said that if the Lagos State House of Assembly wanted to go ahead with the probe, the allegations should first be published in the Assembly’s journal.
The court held that it is unfortunate that it was the same day that the allegations were published in a national newspaper that the Assembly set up a six-man committee to probe it, adding that it showed something was amiss.
Justice Abiru granted an injunction restraining the Assembly from proceeding with their resolution of 24 January, 2010 as a result of the allegation of financial impropriety levelled against the executive and legislative arms of the Lagos State government.
He described the act as unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful and a breach of fundamental human right.
Speaking to Newsmen after the judgement, counsel to the Assembly, Festus Keyamo, described the judgement as 50-50, adding that he will consult his client if they intend to proceed with the matter.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Richard Akinola and Bamidele Aturu observed that there are some loopholes in the Assembly that needs to be tightened.
He added that he knows where to get them if they meet in court again.