Embattled outgoing CBN Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi has secured an order from a Federal High Court in Lagos which bars the security services including the National Police Force from arresting him.
Justice Ibrahim Buba granted the order after hearing Sanusi’s ex parte application in his chambers on Friday. Sanusi was accompanied bu his counsel, the former Attorney-General of Lagos State, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), and Kola Awodein (SAN).
The order is to be in place until the court hears Sanusi’s suit against the Federal Government which he claims suspended him from office illegally. The court adjourned the matter until February 28th when all parties to the suit are expected to have been served.
Sanusi has said he will pursue the matter in court to a logical conclusion as he like many other Nigerians believe that the President does not have the constitutional backing to unilaterally remove him from office.
Sanusi said, “I am also letting the people know that we believe that the President does not have the powers to suspend the CBN governor.
“I have no intention of returning to the job but we are going to court to confirm whether or not the President has powers to suspend the CBN governor.
“If we don’t do this, tomorrow another governor of the CBN will not be able to work and the President can suspend him.
“In the interest of the (autonomy) of the Bank itself and that of the nation, it is important to go to court.”