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There seem to be a gross misinterpretation of the decision of the Federal High Court Lagos, by the feuding factions of the Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA).Contrary to the reported assertion by Capt. Niyi Labinjo’s led group that the court had ordered all members of the different groups to maintain status quo ante in the case filed by President Labinjo, the Mr. Aminu Umar led faction has debunked the claim, saying, “The application for interim injunction relief was categorically refused by Justice Mr. M. Yunusa of Federal High Court, Lagos, who ordered the suspended President to put all the other parties on notice.” The statement was signed by Mr. Tunji Brown, General Secretary of NISA, led by Aminu.
President Labinjo led group had sought an interim injunction restraining President Aminu’s group from taking over the official functions of his presidency pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons.
Labinjo went to court after a June 3, 2015 Emergency General Meeting (EGM) of the Aminu led group in Lagos.
According to Labinjo group, a certified true copy of the order by the presiding Judge, Justice Yunusa, dated July 3, 2015 contained the restraining injunction, with the respondents served the originating summons.
The case, it was learnt, was adjourned by the Judge to July 9, 2015 for compliance report but could not be heard on that date following the absence Aminu who travelled out of the country.
The defendants in the case are: Incorporated Trustee of Nigeria Shipowners Association , Aminu Umar, and Mr. Tunji Brown.
The plaintiffs are Labinjo as NISA president and five corporate members of the association. They include, Energy Factor Marine & Oil Services Limited, Ocean Crest International Services Limited,
The Aminu led group has reiterated that Labinjo remains suspended from the association as ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC) at the EGM of June 3, 2015, “as long as the investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on ship purchase and loan diversion persists with First Bank of Nigeria Plc. Mr. Aminu Umar will continue as Acting President.”
The statement signed by Mr. Tunji Brown continued: “The association is aware that investigation into the complicity of the suspended president by EFCC is on-going and charges are due to be filed against him for conspiracy, deceit, misrepresentation and fraud. Therefore, he cannot represent NISA in any capacity and no transactions should be entered into with him on behalf of Nigeria Shipowners Association.”
Brown restated that the EGM had also resolved that the position of Lagos Coordinator shall remain vacant, and the position of the Director-General would be filled in accordance with the constitution.
Capt. Labinjo, however in his series of discussions with MMS Plus Weekly has said that his suspension from the association as claimed by the Aminu’s group is not only unconstitutional but null and void, noting that the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who was accused of forgery in the senate has not been suspended or asked to step aside.
To him, his suspension is against the natural law of justice and is tinged with ulterior motive because he did not undertake any business with NISA as a body.
