The Nigerian lawyer who appeared in the courtroom of the Supreme Court,dressed in traditionalist attire on Thursday last week, Barrister Malcom Omoirhobo has requested the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko to furnish him with details of financial transactions by the court from 2019 to date.
The lawyer, made the request through his law firm, Malcolm Omirhobo & Co and in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) 2011.
In the letter titled, “Re: Application brought pursuant to the freedom of information act, 2011 for the certified true copies of certain public documents”, Omirhobo requested the CJN to provide him with receipts, financial statement of account and expenditures of the apex court since the time he assumed office as the head of the Judiciary.
“We are a firm of Attorneys and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, who are passionate about good governance and proper administration at all levels and most particularly within the judicature.
“On the strength of the relevant sections of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, we humbly request for the Certified True Copies of the following information as they relate to public documents within your custody:
“(1) Proof of receipt of the total funds disbursed to your Lordship from the National Judicial Council as the head of the Supreme court of Nigeria from your Assuming office in 2019 to date.
“(2) The Financial Statement of Accounts of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from the 1st day of January 2019 to date.
“(3) Proof of the total expenditure of the Supreme Court for the period of 1st January 2019 to date including a List of capital projects of the Supreme Court of Nigeria within this period,
“(4) Payment vouchers for each project mentioned above as well as the contract agreement.
“(5) The total amount realized from Internally Generated Revenue within the period under request and proof of expenditure; Salary payment voucher of justices of the Supreme Court and non-judicial staff; and Salary payment voucher and other emoluments of the justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and non-judicial staff.
“We urge you, sir, to furnish us with Certified True Copies of the aforesaid documents; in the alternative direct any designated official or appropriate authority at the Supreme Court of Nigeria to supply us with same.
“Take notice that in the event of any delay or refusal to disclose the information within 7 days from the day of receipt of this request, we shall be compelled to take lawful and necessary steps to compel you to disclose the information in accordance with Section 20 and other provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
“We undertake to bear the financial cost of making the requested information available to us in line with Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
“In anticipation of your kind and positive response to this request, please accept the assurances of our esteemed regards,” the letter reads in full.
By EquityNewsTrack
