I will not entertain delay tactics, says the trial judge.
A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has rejected the preliminary objections to discontinue the case filed by Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi against Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
In his ruling on Monday, the trial judge, Justice Okorowo described the preliminary objections as stale and attempt to delay the prosecution of the case.
He warned counsels on deliberate delay tactics, adding that he is fully ready to adjudicate over the matter. Consequently, he ordered AEC, NERC and Minister of Power to enter defense.
Omoluabi, the senatorial candidate of ADC for Kogi West in the just concluded 2019 general election, had approached the court against the backdrop of illegal sales of prepaid meters, wrong estimated billing and several other infractions as contained in the process.
The litigant, who filed the suit on behalf of electricity consumers in Kogi West senatorial district, is seeking an order of the court for all electricity users to be given the prepaid meter free of charge as contained in the extant laws, a compensation of seven billion naira in total sum as the illegal money collected from poor and unsuspecting electricity consumers since the regime of AEDC commenced.
Counsel to the Minister of Power was absent, the applicant, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi and his legal team were present in the court. The matter has been adjourned for defense.
While addressing the press, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi said that there is no sacrifice that is too much to fight for the people.
He vowed to pursue the case to its logical end, in the interest of the people. He expressed confidence in the ability and courage of the judge to deliver justice in public interest and assure that his legal team is doing all things possible to come out victorious.
