Tinubu Opposes Lawsuit Seeking His Impeachment Over Hunger Protests

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a lawsuit filed by lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje, which seeks his removal from office due to alleged mishandling of the nationwide #Hunger protests from August 1 to 10, 2024.

In a joint preliminary objection submitted alongside Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President argued that Ogungbeje had failed to provide a valid cause of action and lacked the legal standing to bring the case.

Filed on September 4, 2024, under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1334/2024, the lawsuit sought six demands, including “an order compelling the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Tinubu over alleged violations of fundamental rights related to the #Hunger protests in August 2024.”

Ogungbeje claimed that President Tinubu’s actions during the protests amounted to gross misconduct and warranted impeachment. He cited Section 143 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to begin such proceedings.

In response, Tinubu’s legal team argued that Ogungbeje’s case was without merit and jurisdiction, urging the court to dismiss the suit. They pointed out that Ogungbeje failed to demonstrate how his fundamental rights were violated or provide evidence of any illegal actions regarding the protest management.

The protests had emerged in response to Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis, with demonstrators accusing the government of ignoring the growing food insecurity. However, Tinubu’s administration maintained that the protests were managed peacefully, with appropriate legal measures and security in place to safeguard participants.

The Attorney General’s counter-affidavit defended President Tinubu, stating that he had consistently supported democratic principles, including allowing peaceful protests, and had taken steps to protect citizens’ rights. The affidavit also argued that there was no breach of the President’s oath of office and that the impeachment claim lacked merit.

At the Monday hearing, Ogungbeje’s lawyer, Stanley Okonmah, requested an adjournment to properly address the defendants’ objections. Justice James Omotosho granted the request and scheduled the next hearing for March 4, 2025.