NECA SLAMS THE NATIONAL LOTTERY REGULATORY COMMISSION FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT AND BREACH OF THE RULE OF LAW

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has expressed its shock and utter dismay at the gruff actions and uncivil behaviour of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), in shutting down the offices and business premises of Nigeria Brewery Plc across the nation.

Mr Gbajabiamila’’s action had failed to respect the on-going case CA/A/207/2016, NECA & 1 or vs. AG Federation & 3 ors which is connected to the issue that allegedly prompted the closure of the Nigeria Brewery Plc. The Court had earlier directed parties in the case to maintain status quo ante since 2016.

Speaking in Lagos, the Director General, Mr Olusegun Oshinowo, expressed shock that the new helmsman at the NLRC, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, would go all out to act in breach of the rule of law and utter contempt of court by shutting down the offices and business premises of Nigeria Brewery Plc in a case that is still before the Court of Appeal.

Oshinowo noted that “since 2016 when the case was filed in court, the past leadership of the Commission had exercised restraint and due respect for the law of the land”. He decried the resort to jungle behaviour by Mr Gbajabiamila  in a civilized society where the mantra of the current government is respect for the rule of law. According to him, “It is unthinkable that a Public Servant would rashly shut down business premises of a multi-billion dollar investment without considering the dire implications on the economy”

The Director General, NECA called on the Presidency and the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment to call Gbajabiamila to order as his actions are not only illegal, unlawful and ultra vires but are counterproductive to the laudable efforts of the Federal Government in improving the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in Nigeria. “He should be called to order to avoid further damage to business and the fragile economy at large”

Oshinowo urged Gbajabiamila, as a responsible and decent leader to await the pronouncement of the court on the case in question.