The suit filed by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), seeking a referendum to determine the fate of Biafra and other self-determination agitations has suffered hearing setbacks for over two years as a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, adjourned the hearing to 24th of May, 2023.
The case was adjourned after the court presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo could not sit as scheduled.
Counsel to CNG, Barrister Sufiyanu Gambo Idris, while briefing journalists, noted that the case is slated for 24th of May, 2023.
He said the court did not sit yesterday even though it was supposed to be for a rejoinder.
He added that the judge gave reasons why he was absent and that they decided to take another date and they took May 24, 2023 for the motion.
Recall that CNG filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop the national assembly from taking any further action towards reviewing the constitution unless the question of Nigeria’s unity, particularly the Biafra agitation was settled through a referendum.
The court document marked FHC/ABJ/CS/538/2021 was dispatched for service in the offices of the senate president, the speaker of the house of representatives and the attorney-general of the federation.
Reacting to the development, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, spokesperson of the coalition of northern groups, said that the coalition was confident that the court, being the ultimate temple of justice would eventually do justice to the suit and history would be made.
Also speaking, counsel to Ibom Peoples Movement, Barrister Adesina Oke, asked to join in the suit for self-determination for Akwa Ibom citizens, demanding an end to the political and economic colonisation of Akwa Ibom by the Nigerian State.