The National Industrial Court, Abuja, has struck out a suit filed by the Federal Government, FG, against the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD.
The presiding Judge, Justice Benedict Kanyip gave the verdict for lack of diligence on the part of the FG.
Joined as a co-claimant in the suit is the Federal Ministry of health.
However, when the case was called, neither the claimants nor their lawyers were in court.
The defendant’s counsel, Bright Egualeona on his part informed the court he filed a notice of preliminary objection dated August 25, 2021, and filed August 31, 2021.
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He further stated that the preliminary objection was in response to the claimant’s originating process.
The counsel in addition urged the court to strike out the suit for lacking diligent prosecution on the part of the claimants.
The judge, Justice Benedict Kanyip after listening to the submission of the counsel said that given the absence of the claimants for the second time, this suit is hereby struck out.
The last adjourned date of Feb. 16, the matter could not proceed due to the absence of parties and their legal representatives in court.
The judge had therefore stated “the matter is slated for hearing and neither are parties nor their representatives are in court inspite of being served hearing notice.
“Given the importance of this matter, the court is giving the parties another opportunity, the judge ruled.
