Human rights lawyer Falana demands legal backing as FCT Minister defends decision ahead of Abuja Municipal Area Council elections
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana has challenged the authority of the Minister of the , , over the declaration of a public holiday and restriction of movement during the recent (AMAC) council elections.
Falana called on the Minister to publicly cite the specific law that empowers him to declare a work-free day and impose movement restrictions in the FCT ahead of an election. He argued that under Nigerian law, the authority to declare public holidays is vested in the President and the Minister of Interior, raising concerns about whether the FCT Minister has similar constitutional backing.
The human rights lawyer further questioned the legality of restricting residents’ movement without clear statutory provisions, describing the move as one that requires explicit legal justification. His position has triggered fresh debate over the scope of executive powers within the unique administrative structure of Abuja.
Unlike Nigeria’s 36 states, the FCT does not have an elected governor but is administered by a minister appointed by the President. This arrangement has often raised constitutional questions about the extent of the Minister’s powers, especially during elections.
In response, Wike reportedly defended the decision, stating that the measures were taken to ensure security and the orderly conduct of the polls. He also maintained that the actions were carried out with the approval of President , stressing that the intention was to guarantee peaceful voting across the territory.
The development has continued to generate reactions from legal experts and political observers, with many calling for clarity on the statutory provisions governing public holidays and movement restrictions in the nation’s capital.
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