Anosike, NiMET DG Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuit Challenging His Eligibility For The Role Following His Appointment by President Tinubu

Charles Anosike, Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), is facing a lawsuit challenging his eligibility for the role following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu. The case, filed against Anosike, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and President Tinubu, alleges that the appointment violates the NiMet Act and international meteorological conventions.

The lawsuit, initiated by a Nigerian civil advocate, Victor Nwala, contends that Anosike lacks the necessary meteorological qualifications for the role. Nwala argues that Anosike, described in court documents as an Information Technology (IT) expert, does not possess expertise in meteorology or related sciences such as climatology, atmospheric science, or hydrology, which are required for the position under Section 10(3) and (4) of the NiMet Act of 2022.

In response, Anosike’s legal counsel has filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection, seeking the dismissal of the suit because the plaintiff lacks the legal standing to challenge the appointment. The defence argued that Nwala has not demonstrated how his interests have been affected by Anosike’s appointment, thereby questioning his locus standi to pursue the case.

The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1245/2024, also lists NiMet, the NiMet Governing Board, Keyamo, Tinubu, and the National Assembly as defendants. The plaintiff has asked the court to determine whether Tinubu’s decision to appoint Anosike—based on Keyamo’s recommendation—was unlawful and should be rendered null and void.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has adjourned the case to April 3, 2025, for further hearing, with notices to be served to the defendants and hearing notice to be served to the defendants who are NiMET (1st defendant), NiMET governing board (2nd), Keyamo (3rd), President Tinubu (4th), Anosike (5th), and the National Assembly being the sixth defendant to the suit marked NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/1245/2024.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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