In a recent development regarding the Plateau State local government dispute between the sacked APC-elected chairmen and Transition Committee chairmen, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Inspector General of Police. This order prevents the police from allowing the former APC-elected chairmen access to the local government secretariats.
The Inspector General of Police had previously opened the sealed local government secretariats for the elected chairmen, causing concerns about potential violence. However, the Plateau State Government filed an ex parte motion urging the court to prevent the police from enforcing the order issued by the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Julius Alawari, which directed the suspended democratically elected chairmen and councillors to resume their duties.
Justice A.B. Mohammed signed the order, emphasizing that the police have no authority to reinstate the chairmen and councillors while the matter is still before the court. The court’s order includes an interim injunction that restrains the police from using force to reinstate the former local government council chairmen in Plateau State until the motion on notice is heard and determined.
Furthermore, the court ordered that this injunction be served to the police, along with the motion on notice seeking an interlocutory injunction and the originating summons. The next hearing for the plaintiff’s motion on notice seeking an interlocutory injunction is scheduled for September 14, 2023.
