Absence of ex-Kogi deputy governor’s witness stalls suit against Bello

The absence of a witness in the suit filed by the former Deputy Governor of Kogi state, Simon Achuba against Governor Yahaya Bello before the National Industrial Court over his alleged unpaid allowances was on Monday stalled.

The matter which was slated for defence had to be adjourned when the defence counsel, M.B. Kadiri informed the court that the defence’s sole witness was currently indisposed and hospitalised.

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The counsel further said the witness was the only one the defence intends to put on the witness stand and his absence has necessitated him applying for a short adjournment.

The claimant’s counsel, Samuel Ogala, did not object to the application.

Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi held therefore, that ”in view of the defence sole witness’ ll-health, the case is adjourned until March 3, for definite defence.”

Achuba dragged Gov. Bello and the commissioner for justice before the court over the alleged non-payment of his allowances while serving as deputy governor from 2015-2019.

Achuba, amongst other declaration and order is praying the court to declare that the decision of the defendants to withhold his allowances was discriminatory and amounted to unfair labour practice.

He is also seeking for an order of the court for the payment of N921.5 million being his travel allowances, monthly impress, security vote and other statutory allocations due to his office as the deputy governor of Kogi state.

Achuba was the deputy governor of the state until his controversial impeachment by the state House of Assembly on October 18, 2019