Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit filed by Chidi Lloyd and 20 other former Rivers State council chairmen seeking to extend their tenure beyond its expiration on 16 June 2024.
The ex-chairmen based their claim on an amendment to the local government law by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, which purportedly extended their tenure by six months.
Ruling on suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/537/2024 on Friday, Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case, citing the plaintiffs’ lack of locus standi.
“The former chairmen have no legal right to remain in office,” Justice Omotosho declared, describing their continued stay as illegal. He affirmed that their tenure had ended, and they had no grounds to protest.
The Rivers State Government had conducted council elections on 5 October 2024 and sworn in newly elected chairmen the following day, despite a controversial judgment attempting to halt the process.