A significant ruling by the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has affirmed the constitutionality and legitimacy of the August 30 local government election in the state. The decision, delivered by Presiding Justice Stephen Jumbo, dismissed a legal challenge brought forth by Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner, Williams Stanley, who had contested various aspects of the recently concluded local government polls.

Stanley's suit primarily targeted the legality of President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of the state’s Sole Administrator. Furthermore, he challenged the administrator’s subsequent nominations of the chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the body responsible for conducting the August 30 Local Government Council election. These challenges formed the crux of Stanley’s argument against the legitimacy of the entire electoral process.

Justice Stephen Jumbo, in his comprehensive ruling, addressed two fundamental issues: the locus standi (legal standing) of the claimant and the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter. On the issue of jurisdiction, Justice Jumbo held that the Rivers State High Court was not the appropriate forum to entertain such a suit. He explicitly stated that, based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, only the Supreme Court possesses the exclusive jurisdiction to hear cases of this nature, especially when they arise during a period of emergency rule in the state.

Regarding the claimant’s locus standi, Justice Jumbo determined that Williams Stanley lacked the necessary legal standing to institute the suit against the defendants. The judge emphasized that Stanley failed to demonstrate a personal interest in the matter that transcended public interest. Moreover, he could not provide sufficient evidence to show that his civil rights and obligations had been violated by the actions of the defendants. The ruling further noted that Stanley did not offer adequate proof of any injury, threat of injury, or hardship he would personally suffer if the questions raised in his originating summons were left unaddressed. Justice Jumbo clarified that the interest Stanley sought to protect was not his personal interest but rather that of the state governor, a position Stanley did not currently hold.

Crucially, on the specific conduct of the August 30 local government election, Justice Jumbo unequivocally declared the exercise to be constitutional and legitimate. He pointed out that the election was conducted by RSIEC, the legally mandated body, and not by the governor or the sole administrator, thereby upholding the integrity of the electoral process as managed by the independent electoral commission. The court did not award any costs against the claimant, acknowledging the complexities of the legal challenge.

Following the court's pronouncement, Godsent Elewa, counsel to Williams Stanley, addressed journalists outside the courtroom. Elewa indicated that he would consult with his client to determine the subsequent course of action, hinting at a potential appeal or further legal steps. The ruling solidifies the legal standing of the recent local government elections in Rivers State, at least from the perspective of the High Court.