Court orders parties to file addresses in disability suit against National Assembly

Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court Lagos has ordered parties to file addresses in a suit by a physically challenged lawyer, Mr Daniel Onwe, seeking the enactment of a disability law in Nigeria.

The plaintiff had commenced the suit against the National Assembly in 2014, for failure to enact a law protecting the rights of persons living with disabilities in the country.

The suit was first assigned to Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the same court, and later to Justice Jude Dagat after the transfer of Yunusa from the Lagos division of the court.

Again, following the transfer of Dagat out of the Lagos division, the suit was again re-assigned to Justice Mohammed Aikaw

On February 2, Justice Aikawa had struck out the suit after the plaintiff had moved an application withdrawing same.

Plaintiff’s withdrawal was sequel to a preliminary objection raised by the respondent, that the processes were not properly endorsed for service outside the jurisdiction of the court.

The court had accordingly, struck out the suit with no orders as to cost.

The plaintiff however, re-filed the suit on February 9, seeking similar relief from the court.

The suit new suit numbered FHC/LA/CS/168/17 is now assigned to Justice Ayokunle Faji.

At the resumed hearing of the case, Mr. Onwe announced appearance for himself as applicant, while Mr. Chiesonu Okpoko appeared for the respondent.

The Court however, observing that the matter is of national importance, directed parties to file further addresses accentuating how courts have applied the law on disability issues in other countries of the world.

He, consequently, adjourned the case to September 13 for hearing.