Source: http://www.leadershub.org/news/jang-tackles-gov-fashola/

Factional Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, has asked an Abuja High Court to dismiss or strike out a suit filed by Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), seeking to restrain him from parading himself as Chairman.

In the suit filed by his counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), Fashola argued that Rivers State Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi was re-elected as Chairman of NGF on May 24 this year.

Fashola said that Governor Jang’s claim to the chairmanship was baseless and thus should be restrained by the court from parading himself as Chairman of the forum.

Named as first to fourth defendants in the suit are the Governor, Plateau State, Asishana Bayo Okauru, NGF’s Director-General Osaru Onaiwu (Administrator) and the Registered Trustees, Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

But Jang and Onaiwu, in a preliminary objection filed by their counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), told the court that Fashola lacks the locus standi (legal right) to institute the action and prayed the court to dismiss or strike it out. Specifically, in the said preliminary objection, Oyetibo prayed the court to terminate Fashola’s suit at the interlocutory stage on the following grounds:

* The Writ of Summons was not issued in accordance with procedural due process;

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory lacks jurisdiction to entertain the plaintiff’s claims.

Even if the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has jurisdiction to entertain the plaintiff’s claims, the plaintiff lacks locus standi to bring the suit.

* Even if the plaintiff has locus standi to but justiceable as they relate to a mere dispute as to political dignity.

Arguing the plaintiff’s lack of locus standi, Oyetibo said that since Fashola neither claims to have contested the election for NGF, he lacks a legal right to institute or sustain th action. Oyetibo also argued that Governor Amaechi whom Fashola claimed won the election, has neither complained to the court that his mandate had been usurped or been named or joined as party to the suit.

On the contention that the court lacks jurisdiction, he submits that any dispute within NGF cannot be taken to an Abuja High Court by virtue of part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), which prescribes that disputes should be resolved at the Federal High Court instead.

He said that the way the suit is couched – between the Governor, Lagos State and the Governor, Plateau State, the plaintiff has suggested a dispute between Lagos and Plateau State governments, which automatically strips every court of jurisdiction, save the Supreme Court which is bequeathed with the exclusive jurisdiction to determine or resolve disputes between governments of states or state governments and the Federal Government.

Similarly, in Jang and Onaiwu’s Statement of Defence filed by Oyetibo, they made, among others, the following claims:

* Traditionally, the NGF does not hold elections to produce a chairman. It is the practice that the Chairman of the forum is appointed by consensus of the members. Where a consensus cannot be reached, the candidate supported by a simple majority would become the chairman.

* In pursuance of the fact above, Governor Amaechi was informed that 19 of the 36 governors of the states of the federation have indicated in writing their decision to support Governor Jonah Jang as Chairman of the NGF.

* Despite the fact above, Governor Amaechi still insisted that there must be an election and that he must preside at the meeting.

* At this stage, Governor Amaechi produced ballot papers which he had unilaterally printed without prior authority of other members of the NGF and started distributing same for the purpose of the so-called election.

* When Governor Amaechi refused to step down as Chairman of the forum, but insisted on presiding to conduct the election, 18 of the 35 members present at the meeting immediately indicated their unflinching support for Governor Jang as the new Chairman of the forum without prejudice to their objection to the insistence of Governor Amaechi on presiding over the election process.

* Despite the fact that 18 of the members present supported the first defendant as the new chairman of the forum, Governor Amaechi and the second defendant still went ahead to announce to the public that Governor Amaechi emerged as the winner of the election.

* As soon as the announcement was made, 18 of the 35 Governors who were present and supported the first defendant stormed out of the venue of the purported election to demonstrate their disapproval of the politcal charade.

* A press release was subsequently issued by the second defendant to the effect that Governor Amaechi had been elected as Chairman. A copy of the publication containing the press release would be relied upon at the trial,” Oyetibo said.

Source: http://www.leadershub.org/news/jang-tackles-gov-fashola/

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I can't wait to see the reactions from GEJ, Jang, Akpabio and Mimiko when the court fianlly declares Amaechi as the winner

And the Man who believes 16 is greater than 19 is tackling a SAN:/...just passing through!

Jegede26:
* Traditionally, the NGF does not hold elections to produce a chairman. It is the practice that the Chairman of the forum is appointed by consensus of the members. Where a consensus cannot be reached, the candidate supported by a simple majority would become the chairman.

Someone need to Jang that in light of the bold election was held. His participation in the election nullifies other complaints like Amaechi not stepping down before the election, ballot papers (those where INEC's - same used in electing Jang) and election not the regular practice.

So why should he now reject the result of "simple majority to return to consensus because the outcome did not favour him.

This is even more shameful when you consider that this illegality is orchestrated and have the full backing of President Jonathan, who perhaps is test-running a 2015 Template.

Amaechi got 19 votes, while Jang had 16. Amaechi won. Nigerians should not allow this arm-twisting to stand. If not by 2015, Jonathan will excavate "signatures" from all of us. And if the election don't favour him, he can bully us and refuse to leave power.

Weputa aka enwe na ofe tupu ogoo aka mmadu (let stop this not we can).

The defendant position is different from information in public domain.

Anyway let our Judiciary do justice to the dispute as against the jungle justice of court of public opinion full of emotions prevalent in Nigeria.

* When Governor Amaechi refused to step down as Chairman of the forum, but insisted on presiding to conduct the
election, 18 of the 35 members present at the meeting immediately indicated their unflinching support for Governor Jang as the new Chairman of the forum without prejudice to their objection to the insistence of Governor Amaechi on presiding over the election process.

* Despite the fact that 18 of the members present supported the first defendant as the new chairman of the forum, Governor Amaechi and the second defendant still went ahead to announce to the public that Governor Amaechi emerged as the winner of the election.

* As soon as the announcement was made, 18 of the 35 Governors who were present and supported the first defendant stormed out of the venue of the purported election to demonstrate their disapproval of the politcal charade.