June 12: Politician wants court to set aside awards

Apolitician, Dr Umar Ardo has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to set aside the conferment of posthumous awards on late Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election and two others.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday awarded Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), while his former running mate, Babagana Kingibe and civil rights activist, late Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) were awarded with Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

In an originating summons filed by his counsel, Duoeyi Fiderikumo Esq. yesterday, Ardo is contending that the President lacks the powers to award the National Honours without the advice of the Council of State as provided in sections 5(1) (b) and 6 (a) (iii) of Part I to the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.

Ardo said he would tender the original copies of the certificate, which was received by Abiola’s son, Kola on behalf of the family, as proof that the Federal Government made the award despite being served notice of an earlier suit filed before the court.

He wants the court to hold that the award by the defendants including the President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) without seeking the advice of the Council of State as contained in the Constitution, is null and void.

No date has been fixed for hearing.