Federal High Court Dismisses Suit by Pro-Wike Former Local Government Chairmen

The Federal High Court in Abuja, led by Justice James Omotosho, has dismissed the suit filed by Chidi J. Lloyd and 20 former Local Government Council chairmen in Rivers State. 

The case, SUIT No. FHC/ABJ/CS/537/2024, was struck out on Friday, January 17, 2025, for lack of locus standi.

Filed on April 23, 2024, the suit sought to extend their tenure beyond its expiration on June 16, 2024, relying on a controversial Local Government Amendment Law passed by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. 

However, the Assembly members had lost their seats after defecting to another party on December 11, 2023, rendering the law invalid.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the plaintiffs were no longer Local Government Council chairmen and had no legal rights to defend. 

The ruling puts an end to their attempt to hold on to office.