Works Minister Hires 6 SANs, 8 Lawyers to Defend Budget FoI Lawsuit on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road

Public officials, holding positions of public trust, are legally obligated under the law to provide the applicant with the requested information. If they choose to deny the request, they must give a written explanation for their refusal.”I filed this application to seek legal action because the respondents have refused and failed to provide information regarding the N15 trillion, 700KM Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Road Project.

Their actions show a deliberate disregard for the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act.””The Freedom of Information Act clearly outlines the requirements for applications like this. Granting this application would be in the interest of justice.”On June 7, 2024, Justice Akintayo Aluko granted an ex-parte motion filed by Ogungbeje.

He noted: “After reviewing the affidavit submitted by Olukoya Ogunbeje, Esq, a male Christian, legal practitioner, constitutional lawyer, columnist, author, and Executive Director of the Coalition for Good Governance in Nigeria.””The court also heard from Yemisi Ayanwole, Esq., representing the applicant, who presented the motion and requested the court to grant the reliefs sought as outlined in the motion.”

“Leave is hereby granted to the applicant to seek a JUDICIAL REVIEW, with the following reliefs: a mandamus order compelling the respondents to fulfill their official and legal duties by providing the requested information on the N15 trillion, 700KM Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project, as outlined in the applicant’s request dated April 12, 2024, and acknowledged by the respondents.”

“A mandamus order is issued, requiring the respondents, jointly and individually, to immediately provide or furnish the requested information about the N15 trillion, 700KM Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the applicant through their solicitors.”Despite the hearing being scheduled for January 27, 2025, Engr. Umahi and other respondents have yet to file any formal responses to the suit, except for a Memorandum of Conditional Appearance filed by their lawyer.