ANIAGOLU, JSC (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The central issue in this appeal concerns the exercise by a Minister of the Federal Government of Nigeria of his Ministerial discretion - all exercise to which no reasons were attached - and whether the courts in order to do justice, can review that exercise of discretion the non-giving of reasons by the Minister notwithstanding.
The case (aptly described in a letter dated 19th December, 1985 from the Office of the Chief of General Staff as "pathetic") from which this appeal emanated from the Court of Appeal, was begun on 23rd September, 1982 with a Writ of Summons, in the then Federal Revenue Court, in Suit FHC/L/102/1982, issued by the Appellant. MARGARET CHINYERE STITCH, against the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Board of Customs and Excise. The claim reads:-
"The Plaintiff" claim again the Defendants for:
1. A Declaration that the action of the Ministry of Commerce in suspending the issuing of Import Permits some three w…