An Abuja Federal High Court has set aside a case challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to participate in the forthcoming presidential election after the plaintiffs withdrew the suit.
Four people – Junaidu Mohammed, Tunde Samuel, Rasak Adeogun and Yahaya Ezeemoo Ndu – had filed the suit stating that President Jonathan had been administered the oath of office in 2009 and in 2011, saying that a third time would be contrary to the constitution.
In a twist of events, counsel to the plaintiffs, Alex Okoja, asked the court to quit proceedings as his clients had withdrawn the case.
Counsel to President Jonathan, Ade Okeanya-Inneh prayed that the court fine the plaintiffs for filing frivolous charges.
Ruling on the case, Justice Ahmed Mohammed said the plaintiffs must N50, 000.
He said: “A party who took out an action against another party and went ahead to cause a hearing notice to be issued by the court on that party, only to turn around and withdraw the matter, must be ready for some sanction.
