Malachy Ugwummadu Questions: Why Always Run to Abuja When There’s a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt?

Prominent human rights activist and lawyer Malachy Ugwummadu has expressed his frustration with the tendency to file election-related lawsuits in Abuja, suggesting that the courts in Port Harcourt would be more appropriate venues. Continue Reading>>>

During an interview with Arise News, Ugwummadu questioned the convenience of frequently rushing to Abuja for legal actions, particularly those concerning Rivers State, when a Federal High Court is readily available in Port Harcourt. He emphasized the importance of the judiciary examining the reasons behind this recurring practice, especially amid growing concerns about the autonomy of local governments in Nigeria following the Supreme Court’s ruling on local council elections.

Ugwummadu referenced a landmark Supreme Court decision that mandates local governments to hold democratic elections in order to receive funding. He argued that this ruling reinforces the independence and democratic election of local government councils across Nigeria, as outlined in Section 7 of the Constitution. He expressed concern about how certain parties appear to evade this judicial authority.

He stated, “According to the judiciary, the State High Court is the final arbiter of election petitions involving municipal councils. Are we choosing to ignore this? There seems to be a deliberate effort to sidestep the Supreme Court’s directives regarding local government elections, especially concerning funding and leadership.”

Ugwummadu further articulated his views: “When you consider what has happened, it’s striking how they rush to Abuja at every opportunity, despite having a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. Why is that? This should draw the judiciary’s attention. Regardless, the State High Court is the final recourse for local council election petition matters, according to judicial sources.” Continue Reading>>>

He questioned whether the legal community had overlooked these principles, asking, “How practical is it to completely bypass the Supreme Court’s position on the necessary steps for ensuring the independence of local governments?” He concluded by stating that it is now evident that local governments in the country cannot access their funds unless they are democratically elected, as affirmed by a Supreme Court ruling, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Attorney General of Abia State.