The ongoing currency policy suit filed against the Federal Government by Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara states at the Supreme Court has taken a new twist as Abdulhakeem Mustapha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing Kaduna State, has filed a contempt of court suit against the Government. Mustapha, in the presence of Justice Inyang Okoro, drew the panel’s attention to the alleged flouting of the court’s order by the Federal Government, which failed to comply with the extension of the use of old naira notes.
However, Kanu Agabi, who represents the Federal Government, objected, stating that the claim was based on rumors. The panel instructed that the issue could not be addressed immediately until all the processes were filed and served. Mustapha, on the other hand, insisted that the Federal Government was acting recklessly by ignoring the court’s order, and the extension should continue.
The panel advised that the necessary processes be filed and served by Friday, and replies should be given by Monday to enable a hearing on Wednesday. In addition, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) sought to move a separate application on behalf of the Rivers State Government, while counsel to the Kano State Government, Sunusi Musa (SAN), sought to move their motion challenging the powers of the Federal Government to impose the currency policy unilaterally on citizens of the state without the approval of the FEC and Council of State.
Justice Okoro advised both Rivers and Kano to consolidate their suits with the existing ones. The panel fixed all the suits for hearing on Wednesday, February 20th.
