The Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja has scheduled a ruling for February 26, 2025, on an interlocutory injunction aimed at halting the selection process for a new Accountant General of the Federation.
The case was brought by Mr Joshua Luka’s legal team, which is challenging his exclusion from the selection process based on an unsubstantiated allegation.
His counsel, Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, contends that due process was not followed, arguing that the Civil Service Commission, rather than the Head of Service, should oversee the appointment process.
Justice Rekiya Haastrup adjourned the case after hearing from both parties. Luka is seeking reinstatement into the selection process, citing the presumption of innocence and violations of his right to a fair hearing.
The ruling on February 26 will determine whether the selection process will be paused until the court makes a decision on the main suit.
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In the originating summons, the claimant is requesting the court to issue several orders, including:
– A declaration that the selection process initiated by the Head of Service of the Federation is null and void because it contravenes the constitution and exceeds her powers.
– An order stating that, under the principle of the presumption of innocence, the applicant cannot be excluded from the Accountant General selection process based on criminal allegations until a competent court has convicted him.
– An order allowing the applicant to participate in the selection process for the Accountant General of the Federation.
– An order declaring that the exclusion of the applicant from the selection process based on an allegation without a hearing infringes on his right to a fair hearing and is therefore null and void.
