In a lawsuit against the Federal Government of Nigeria over the demonetization policy that resulted in the introduction of new versions of the N200, N500, and N1000 notes, the Ogun State Government has filed an application with the Supreme Court of Nigeria asking to join Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara States.
The state requested to be included as the fourth plaintiff/applicant in a lawsuit with the case number SC/CV/162/2023 in a Motion of Notice submitted by its attorney, Afe Babalola and Co, on February 13.
The applicant further indicated in the Notice that it want to participate as a co-plaintiff in the lawsuit brought by the other three plaintiffs in order to obtain a fair and just resolution.
The plaintiff further informed the Supreme Court that, in addition to the affidavit in support of the application, it will rely on all the documents already filed in this case.
The plaintiff listed thirteen grounds for the application, arguing, among other things, that the implementation of the federal government-sanctioned policy has so far had a negative impact on citizens throughout the federation, including Ogun State. This has left several residents of the state stranded, cash-strapped, and frustrated, which has resulted in riots, severe disruption of commercial activity, and a gradual decline in the state’s economy.
The demonization policy of the Federation, as it is currently being carried out by the Central Bank of Nigeria, is being challenged by the plaintiffs, according to the motion on notice, on the grounds that it is not in compliance with the current provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 20 (3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, and the current laws of the country. The suit was initiated by an Origination Summons dated on February 3, 2023.
In addition, the fourth plaintiff stated that Ogun State is one of the constituent members of the Federation recognized under Section 3 (1) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution of 1999 (as amended);
“The Attorney General of Ogun State seeking to be added or joined as the fourth plaintiff in this suit is the Chief Law Officer of Ogun State vested with the power and responsibility to represent Ogun State in legal matters, including the protection of Ogun State’s interests by challenging any Federal Government law, policy, or action perceived to be in violation of the laws of the Federation for the order and good government of Ogun State;” The implementation of the strategy has seriously hampered the government’s ability to carry out its economic plan for the people and has halted and stopped Ogun State’s economic activity;
“The grant of this application, which had been brought in the interest of justice and right to a fair hearing to join the applicant/Party requesting to be joined as a co-plaintiff, will not in any way prejudice the previously existing Plaintiffs and Defendants;” This application is required to avoid the filing of several lawsuits; “joining the applicant of this lawsuit is required to enable a full and just resolution of this lawsuit; and “this lawsuit is susceptible to defeat if the applicant, who is a necessary party to this lawsuit, is not joined;
“The applicant is willing to be bound by the eventual judgment of this Honourable Court; “The leave of this Honourable Court is required to add or join this Applicant/Party seeking to be joined as a Co-Plaintiff; “it is in the overall interest of justice and fair hearing that this application be granted; and “If this Honourable Court rejects this application, the interest of Ogun state and its people would be prejudiced by any contrary decision given by this Honourable Court in the
