Contempt Proceedings Initiated Against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Over Alleged Court Order Disregard

Contempt Proceedings Commence

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has launched contempt proceedings against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and others. This legal action is in response to their alleged disregard of a series of court orders.

Appointment Affirmation

The court has affirmed Alhaji Faruk Abubakar as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML).

This decision came after the Minister included the AMML Managing Director in the list of heads of agencies dissolved on September 27.

Background on Dissolution

On September 27, Minister Nyesom Wike relieved the heads of various parastatals, agencies, and government companies within the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) of their appointments. This included the dissolution of AMML.

Contempt Charge

The contempt charge was initiated by Abubakar and also names the FCTA, AMML, and Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) as defendants. Additionally, the former acting MD of AMML, Yakubu Abbas, is included in the proceedings.

Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Order

In an application marked NICN/ABJ/62/2023, dated and filed on November 3, the notice of consequences of disobedience to the court order was presented.

The application warns the defendants of the potential consequences of failing to obey the court’s orders and directions.

Legal Background

The legal action is based on allegations that the Minister and others have acted in disobedience to the orders of the industrial court, particularly the order made on July 20.

This order restrained them from implementing the purported termination of Abubakar’s employment as the MD of AMML.

Court’s Injunction

Justice R.B. Haastrup had previously issued an injunction that prevented the defendants from carrying out the termination of Abubakar’s employment.

The injunction was in effect until the hearing and determination of the counterpart motion on notice.

Maintaining the Status Quo

The court also ordered the defendants not to interfere in the management, business, and corporate affairs of AMML and instructed that the status quo ante be maintained until the counterpart motion on notice was heard and decided.

Conclusion

Contempt proceedings have been initiated against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and others over their alleged disregard of court orders in the AMML case.

The court’s decision to affirm Alhaji Faruk Abubakar as the Managing Director has led to this legal dispute, which highlights the importance of following court orders and maintaining the rule of law.