Supreme Court Sits Despite FCT Polls Holiday

The Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal in Abuja continued with court proceedings on Friday despite a public holiday declared by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the Area Council elections.

The two appellate courts heard pending cases and delivered rulings as earlier scheduled, even as other courts in the capital observed the holiday.

The holiday was announced to allow residents of the Federal Capital Territory prepare for the local government polls set for Saturday. However, activities at the nation’s highest court and the intermediate appellate court went on without interruption.

Senior lawyers appeared before different panels, which handled contract disputes and other matters on their cause lists.

In contrast, proceedings at the Federal High Court and the FCT High Court were largely affected. The FCT High Court complied with the holiday directive and did not sit. At the Federal High Court, courtrooms were opened, but judges did not preside over cases.

The development has generated reactions within Abuja. The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre questioned the basis for the holiday, stating that no clear legal foundation was made public for the directive.

The group expressed concern that such decisions should follow proper legal procedures, noting that the announcement disrupted normal activities for many residents.

The holiday order was intended to support preparations for the Area Council elections, but the decision of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal to continue sitting has added to the ongoing debate in the capital.