Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Rivers Local Govt Elections
The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit questioning the legality of the August 30 local government elections in the state.
The case was filed by lawyer Williams Stanley against President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) alongside its chairman.
Stanley had argued that President Tinubu lacked the constitutional powers to appoint a Sole Administrator for Rivers State and to nominate the RSIEC chairman and members who conducted the polls.
He maintained that such actions undermined the credibility of the elections.
Delivering judgment, Justice Stephen Jumbo ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter, stressing that only the Supreme Court has the authority to adjudicate on issues relating to emergency rule under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He further held that the claimant had no locus standi to bring the suit, explaining that Stanley failed to demonstrate any personal interest or civil rights violation.
“The claimant has failed to show any direct injury or hardship he would suffer if the reliefs he sought were granted,” Justice Jumbo said.
“The interest he seeks to protect is not his own, but that of the state governor, a position he does not hold.”
The court also upheld the constitutionality of the August 30 elections, noting that the polls were conducted by RSIEC, not by the Sole Administrator or the Governor.
Justice Jumbo declined to award costs against the claimant.
Speaking after the ruling, counsel to the claimant, Godsent Elewa, said his client would review the decision and consider appealing.
The August 30 elections were held amid political tension following the dissolution of elected councils and the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee the state, a move widely criticised by opposition parties and civil society groups as undemocratic.
RSIEC, under its newly appointed leadership, went ahead with the polls, which were closely monitored by political observers.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
