Court Strikes Out Rivers Ex-Chairmen’s Suit Over Tenure Extension

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by Chidi Lloyd and 20 other former local government chairmen in Rivers State, seeking to extend their tenure beyond its expiration on June 16, 2024.

The former council leaders based their claim on an amendment to the local government law passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, which purportedly extended their tenure by an additional six months.

Delivering judgment in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/537/2024, Justice James Omotosho struck out the case, citing the lack of locus standi (legal standing) of the plaintiffs.

“The former chairmen ceased to be chairmen at the expiration of their constitutional three-year tenures on June 16, 2024. Their continued stay in office is illegal,” Justice Omotosho ruled.

The court held that the plaintiffs had no legal right to remain in office and therefore could not challenge the swearing-in of newly elected council officials.

Despite a controversial judgment attempting to halt the process, the Rivers State Government conducted local council elections on October 5, 2024.

Naija News recalls that the newly elected chairmen were sworn into office the following day, October 6, 2024.

The former chairmen had argued that the amendment to the local government law provided a legal basis for extending their tenure.

However, the court found the amendment insufficient to override the provisions of the constitution.