Abuja Activist, Sesugh Akume Writes Benue State Attorney-General In Suit Against Governor Alia Over ‘Illegal Suspension’ Of Local Government Chairmen

Today my lawyers wrote the attorney-general of Benue (who is counsel to the Governor of Benue, and Attorney-General of Benue, the 1st and 2nd respondents in the lawsuit); counsel to the Special Adviser, Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (the 5th respondent); and the Speaker, and the House of Assembly (the 3rd and 4th respondents) urging them to respond to the court processes in the matter of Sesugh Akume v Governor of Benue & 4 Others (MHC/364/2023); that my lawyers are eager to hear from them and respond accordingly ahead of the next adjourned date 11 December, set for definite hearing after which is the judgement.

It would be recalled that on 23 October I had sued the 5 respondents for their abuse of the local government system and illegal sack of elected local government officials in Benue, asking the court for some specific reliefs including: setting aside the decisions, communications, and actions of the respondents on the matter; declaring their actions as unconstitutional, illegal, unlawful and, in fact, a coup d’etat; restoring the sacked officials fully back to office and paying all their emoluments and entitlements for the time they were away from office; etc. The matter began in court on 9 November.

The letter to the attorney-general reads in part thus:

‘You may wish to recall that the originating processes in the matter were received by all respondents (your office inclusive) on 2 November, 26 days ago today, as confirmed by His Lordship himself from the court records at the last hearing date, 9 November.

‘You may also wish to recall that His Lordship charged both sides to exchange filings for definite hearing/final adoption on the next adjourned date, 11 December.

‘We wish to bring to your attention that today, 27 November, is 19 (of 33) days (9 November to 11 December) since the last adjourned date but we are yet to receive any filings from the 1st and 2nd respondents; with more than 2 weeks gone, and with exactly 2 weeks left from today to the next adjourned date for definite hearing/final adoption of all written notices, we are getting concerned.

‘If the 1st and 2nd respondents decline to file any counter processes having agreed with the applicant on all issues raised in the suit, and/or for want of a valid counter to the issues, that will be perfectly understood and appreciated.
‘However, if the respondents hope to respond, we appeal that you use your good offices to hasten the process as we are eager to reply to yours and to complete all exchanges before the next adjourned date, please.’

The letter concluded that: ‘It is our considered and firm view that it is more professional and tidier, as well as more respectful of the Temple of Justice (of which we are ministers); of the person of His Lordship; and indeed, the course of justice to complete all filings and exchanges before the next adjourned date as mandated by His Lordship, please.’

The deputy chief registrar of the court was copied in the mails (and by implication, the trial judge, the Honourable Mr Justice Polycarp Kwahar, himself) which were duly filed at the court registry to form part of the court records.

Sesugh Akume
Abuja