The Supreme Court of Nigeria and the Court of Appeal Nigeria on Friday proceeded with judicial activities despite a public holiday declared by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ahead of the Area Council elections.

While the apex court entertained cases earlier fixed for hearing, panels of the appellate court delivered rulings and judgments in several matters, including contract disputes. Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and other lawyers attended proceedings notwithstanding the holiday.

However, activities at the Federal High Court and the FCT High Court were largely paralysed. The FCT High Court complied fully with the directive, while courtrooms at the Federal High Court located near the Ministry of Justice headquarters were opened, but no judges sat.

The FCT Minister had declared Friday a public holiday to enable residents participate in the Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday in Abuja.

The decision has drawn criticism from civil society groups, who described the move as arbitrary and lacking precedent.

The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Clement Nwankwo, said no clear legal or administrative justification was provided for what it termed the sweeping shutdown.

PLAC argued that while encouraging voter participation is legitimate, governance actions must remain lawful, proportionate and consultative.

It added that the sudden declaration disrupted businesses, students and workers across the FCT, creating what it described as avoidable anxiety rather than confidence in the electoral process. (The Sun)