Transporters vs Akwa Ibom Govt: Court fixes January 18 for ruling

Ofonime Honesty, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has adjourned till January 18, 2023, for ruling on an interlocutory order sought by transporters in their suit against the Akwa Ibom Attorney General, Ministry of Transport, Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service, Ministry of Environment, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Nature Control Company Limited, and Mr Nkereuwem Eniang (a private consultant).

Presiding judge, Justice Uwem Ibritam, urged parties in the suit to conduct themselves appropriately in order to guarantee timely delivery on judgment in the substantive case.

The interlocutory order was filed by Counsel to the plaintiffs, Usungurua Bassey Esq.

He said the application originated from a motion on notice dated 18th October, 2022, filed on same date pursuant to Order 39 Rules 1 and 2 of the Akwa Ibom State High Court Civil Procedures Rules 2009.

His application centered on restraining the defendants from harassing his clients, seizing their vehicles and subjecting them to multiple taxation until the determination of the case.

Counsel to respective defendants took turns to counter the application, describing it as outrageous, preposterous and ill-timed.
They argued that granting the application will amount to predetermining the outcome of the case.

The case was filled by transporters including Charles Okon Ekpo, Abel Udo Jeremiah, Inemesit Edet Ubaha, Bassey Effiong Udofia and others, against harrasment of commercial bus drivers and tricycle operators, impoundment of vehicles, and multiple taxation.

The case has the Akwa Ibom Attorney General, Ministry of Transport, Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service, Ministry of Environment, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Nature Control Company Limited, and Mr Nkereuwem Eniang (a private consultant) as defendants.