Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) literally fell over each other in court on Tuesday, with each claiming the rights to defend factional Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang.
In court for a suit filed by Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola seeking the court’s invalidation of Jang’s claim to chairmanship of the forum, both Paul Erokoro (SAN) and Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) told the court that they had been briefed by Jang to defend the matter.
Fashola, who instituted the suit, was represented by a team of lawyers spearheaded by erstwhile Attorney General of Lagos State, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and former President of the West African Bar Association (WABA), Femi Falana (SAN). Similarly, Awa Kalu was present to represent Director General of NGF, Asishana Okauru.
But it was a confusing atmosphere in the court when both Oyetibo and Erokoro filed separate processes asking the court to throw out the lawsuit. Counsel to the registered trustees of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Awa kalu consequently requested a short adjournment from the court, so that both lawyers could iron out the confusion.
Trial judge, Justice Peter Affen acceded the request, adjourning till 3rd July for regularization of appearances.
Fashola filed the court suit to prevent Governor Jang from parading himself as the NGF chairman, having reportedly lost the chairmanship election to Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi by 16 votes to 19.
