CSO challenges suit seeking to stop army from embarking on Operation Python Dance

A civil society organisation, Initiative for Minority Rights Advancement for Great Development (IMRAGD), has approached a federal high court, Abuja, seeking to be joined as an interested party in the suit challenging the ongoing Operation Python Dance III by the army.

Last week, Malcom Omirhobo, a Lagos-based rights campaigner, asked the court to declare as unlawful and unconstitutional, the declaration of “Operation Python Dance” across the nation.

The applicants in the suit labelled FHC/ABJ/CS/01/2019, are Omirhobo and board of incorporated trustees of Malcom Omirhobo Foundation.

In the affidavit deposed to, by Eruke Asivwe, a litigation secretary in the chamber of Oghenovo, the plaintiff said, “That the applicant herein intends to challenge the suit on the ground that it is misconceived and an attempt to interfere into the statutory duties and responsibilities of the Nigerian Army.

“That if the plaintiff succeeds and the Nigerian Army is made to stop its legitimate operations, the applicants, its trustees and members will be adversely affected.

“That I know that it is just and judicious for the honourable court to allow the applicant to be joined to enable it present its own case.

“That I also know as a fact that this suit affects the interest of the applicant and its presence in the determination will give the court the competent jurisdiction”.

In the main suit, Omirhobo, is seeking the court’s declaration that the commencement of a nationwide “Operation Python Dance” with effect from January 1 to February 28, with the military to tackle internal security challenges during the conduct of the country’s general elections is illegal and undemocratic.

According to him, it violates the fundamental rights of the applicant, as well as those of the Nigerian public, to life, dignity of human person, personal liberty, family and private life, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of movement.

No date has been fixed for hearing of the suit.