Lawmaker sued by State Government for re-awarding road contract
The Plateau State Government has filed a lawsuit against Yusuf Gagdi, the House of Representatives member for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, over his re-award of a road construction project initially awarded by the state government.
The government seeks to halt Gagdi’s ongoing construction of the 33km Gunji-Shiwer-Dokpai Road, which includes a spur to Tiplik, arguing that the project was originally awarded in 2008 to Hajaig Nigeria Limited and remains legally binding.
According to the state government, Gagdi lacks the constitutional or legal authority to re-award the contract as part of his constituency projects. They are asking the court to:
- Declare the 2008 contract valid and legally binding.
- Issue a perpetual injunction restraining Gagdi and Orion Acres Ltd (the construction company he engaged) from further work on the road.
- Award ₦100 million in damages for what they describe as unlawful interference with an existing contract.
During Wednesday’s court session, the state’s counsel, P.A. Daffi, requested an interlocutory injunction to immediately halt construction. However, Gagdi’s lawyer, Johnson Usman (SAN), objected, arguing that the defense still had time to respond to the motion and originating summons.
Justice Charles Donglong ruled in favor of the defense, granting them additional time to file their responses.
The case has been adjourned to February 27 for the hearing of both the interlocutory injunction and the substantive suit.
