From Gyang Bere, Jos
Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has commenced hearing on the suit filed by a lawmaker representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Dachung Musa Bagos which restrained Governor Simon Lalong and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Plateau State from signing an MoU with Jaiz Bank to rebuild the burnt Jos Main Market.
Justice SP Gang last week granted an injunction filed by Bagos seeking to restrain Plateau State Government from signing the MoU until the matter is heard in court.
Counsel to Bagos, Barr Niri Darong said the court is competent enough to listen to the matter contrary to the submission of the defendants.
Darong told the court that they gave the defendants time to file their response within 21 days of notice, adding the preliminary objections filed by the defendants challenging the court for lack of jurisdiction to entertain the suit lack merit.
He argued that Bagos restrained the signing of the MoU between the State Government and Jaiz Bank because of several loopholes which were geared toward mortgaging the future of Plateau youths.
He explained further that the constitution has given every citizen of Nigeria the right to challenge any act of government that is anti-people.
Niti noted that Bagos under the act of his present office has the constitutional right to defend the fundamental right of the people of Plateau State.
The Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Plateau State, Barr Ahmadu Chrisantus, after a series of arguments agreed that the originating surmount and existing surmount be taken together.
The presiding Judge, Justice SP Gang, adjourned the matter to August 30 for the continuation of the hearing.