By Muhammad Bello
Katsina (Nigeria) – A State High Court in Katsina, northern Nigeria, Monday restrained Governor Aminu Masari and his government’s instrument from dissolving the 34 elected Local council chairmen and 361 councillors in the state.
Presiding Judge, Justice Maikata Bako, gave the order following an application by People Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the powers of the state government on dissolving the councils.
Mr. Masari had in a statement through Secretary to the State Government, Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa, on Friday announced the dissolution of the local government council, which he said was in line with provisions of Section 80 (a) of Katsina State Local Government Law of 2000, as amended.
PDP, in a reaction told the council chairmen and councillors to disregard the dissolution order, pending the outcome of its filed application.
Joined as dependants in the suit were Katsina State Attorney-General and Katsina State House of Assembly.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Mr Uyi Ugunma, prayed for interim injunction to restrain the defendants from dissolving the elected chairmen and councillors pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit before the court.
The applicant counsel said the application was filed pursuant to order 32 of Katsina State High Court Procedures.
Ugunma further prayed the court to exercise its judicial powers to restrain the defendants or its agents from appointing management committees or anybody in whatever name, or discipline at the 34 local government areas.
The Plaintiff also prayed for any other order deem fit on the circumstances, arguing that the councils were duly elected by law and relied on affidavit in support of the application filed on July 2, 2015.
He argued that application was filed by way of ex-parte on the view of its urgency and pressure, adding that the council were duly elected and urged the court to maintain the status quo.
The defendants were not represented at the sitting and therefore Justice Bako adjourned the case to July 28, 2015 for further hearing.
