Trouble looms as court okays suit seeking information on CBN, staff

THE Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the commencement of a suit seeking information on specific deals struck by or involving the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The planned suit also seeks information on the names, states of origin, qualifications, earnings and gratuity package of all CBN staff members from the entry level to the position of the governor.

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu had on December 2, 2020, granted the permission for the commencement of the suit as required for any judicial review suit seeking an order of mandamus to compel a public institution or officer to perform a duty for public good.

The certified true copy of the enrolled order issued by the judge was made available to our correspondent on Sunday.

The plaintiff, Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative, claimed in its ex parte application for the leave of court to begin the suit that the CBN and its governor, Godwin Emefiele, had failed to disclose detailed information it requested on the strength of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

ASRADI’s Executive Director, Adeolu Oyinlola, who deposed to an affidavit filed in support of the application, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1431/2020, stated, “The 1st and 2nd respondents have deliberately failed/refused/neglected to make available to the applicant the information requested.

“Unless there is an order from this honourable court compelling or mandating the 1st and 2nd respondents to do so, they may not willingly, freely and readily make available to the applicant all the information requested.”

Some of the questions raised by the plaintiff in its October 12, 2020 letter said to have been ignored by the CBN are, “Has the CBN’s parking lot in any location been expanded, extended, upgraded or improved? Punch