The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Monday scolded the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), for delaying proceedings on the suit filed by the former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Before adjourning the case till January 16, 2008, the presiding judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba noted the failure of the AG to put up an effective appearance since the case was opened.
The judge reluctantly adjourned the matter following an application by counsel to the AGF, Mr. G.F Zi, who again prayed the court to allow him file relevant papers before the commencement of hearing.
Buba said he was granting the application because it was coming from the nation�s chief law officer.
He said, �The attitude of the office of the Attorney-General to this matter has been drawing back the hands of the clock and affecting proceedings negatively.
�It is true that the court frowns at deliberate attempt to delay delivery of justice, I shall reluctantly adjourn this case at the instance of the Attorney-General to enable him file the necessary processes.�
Odili had gone to court for an order restraining the EFCC from arresting him and investigating his activities in office as governor of Rivers State between 1999 and 2007.
Meanwhile, the office of the AGF on Monday withdrew from the suit seeking to compel the anti-corruption agencies to investigate and try the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh and her deputy, Alhaji Babangida Nguroje.
Both officials had been alleged to have been included in a N628m contracts scam.
Though hearing in the case could not take place on Monday, the office of the AGF filed a notice of withdrawal from the suit on the grounds that it was a nominal party in the case.
The AGF who was listed as the fifth respondent in the suit instituted by two lawyers; Ogochukwu Osagwu and Charles Ogboli, had earlier filed a notice of preliminary objection in the matter.
An Assistant Chief Legal Officer from the office of the AGF, filed a notice of withdrawal from appearance dated December 4, 2007, stating that as a nominal party, it would not join issues in the suit but would abide by any decision taken by the court.
In its objection filed earlier, the AGF had challenged the powers of the Abuja High Court to hear the suit.
The AGF had argued that that only the Federal High Court could hear such matter.
The plaintiffs filed the action to compel the Independent and Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the EFCC to investigate arrest and prosecute Etteh over the N628m contract scam.
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