The federal government has agreed to an out of court settlement in the suit filed by Rivers State before the federal high court challenging the powers of the federal government to fund the Nigeria Police Trust Fund from the federation account.
The plaintiff in the suit is seeking a declaration that the federal government is not entitled to deduct or withhold any sum from the federation account as a first line charge for any purpose, including for the purpose of funding any of its agencies.
The plaintiff is also asking the court for an order of injunction, restraining the federal government from implementing the provision of section 4(1), of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund establishment act, or the deduction of 0.5% of the total revenue occurring to the federation account, for the purpose of funding the Nigeria police trust fund.
The solicitor general of the federation, Dayo Apata told the court at the commenced hearing, that discussion is ongoing with rivers state and other defendants on how to settle the matter amicably.
The counsel to rivers state, Ifedayo Adedipe, in his response, acknowledged that the defendant has approached the plaintiff for an out of court settlement.
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Justice Ahmed Mohammed, adjourned the matter to 7th October, for report on the settlement.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)