By Lukman Olabiyi
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, of the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday, renewed an order directing the Federal Government and domestic airlines to maintain the status quo in their suit concerning the establishment of a proposed national carrier called Nigeria Air.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa made the order pending the determiation of the suit filed by The Registered Trustees of the Airline Operators of Nigeria and five others in the aviation industry. The four other plaintiffs are Azman Air Services Limited, Air Peace Limited, Max Air Limited, United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited and Topbrass Aviation Limited are the first to sixth plaintiffs.
The first to fourth defendants are Nigeria Air Limited, Ethiopian Airlines, Sen. Hadi Sirika (Minister of Aviation, Federal Ministry of Aviation) and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The judge adjourned proceedings till February 13.
However, two “intervenors/applicants” brought an application praying the court to strike out the name of The Registered Trustees of the Airline Operators of Nigeria as a party in a suit arguing that its inclusion in the suit “is invalid” On November 15, the court granted the plaintiffs an interim injunction restraining the Federal Government and Ethiopian Airlines from proceeding with the establishment of Nigeria Air Limited.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa also ordered all parties to the suit to maintain the status quo following the plaintiffs’ motion ex parte in Suit FHC/L/CS/2159/2022.
At the resumption of proceedings Thursday, Mr. Nureni Jimoh, SAN, appeared for the Airline Operators.