The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a plea by an elder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ugochukwu Uchenwa, to bar elections and examinations from taking place on Saturdays.
Uchenwa argued that scheduling events on Saturdays infringed on his and fellow church members’ rights to worship freely.
He sought a court declaration deeming such scheduling unconstitutional or, as an alternative, granting permission for voting and exams on other days, including Sundays.
However, Justice James Omotosho’s ruling labeled the suit as frivolous and baseless, asserting that government policies cannot curb fundamental rights.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church is in the minority in Nigeria and its doctrine could not be imposed on the majority of other religious denominations in the country,” he declared.
In response, plaintiff counsel Benjamin Ahaemefule announced plans to appeal the decision, citing victory in certain aspects of the case but lamenting the overall loss.
He criticized the court’s stance, insisting that although Adventists may be a minority, their rights remain valid and enforceable under the law.
The Punch quoted him as saying, “The court agreed with us that it has jurisdiction to hear our matter.
“The court also agreed with us that elder Uchenwa has the locus standi to institute the action for the enforcement of his fundamental rights and those of the entire members of the Seventh-day Adventist church Nigeria.
“The court agreed with us that the rights of the Adventists are breached.
“The court, however, refused to enforce our right, saying that Adventists are in the minority and not in the majority.
“The court held that although our rights are infringed upon, the infringement is legally necessary and justifiable.
“So the court refused to grant our substantive request because it said that granting it will open a flood gate of litigation by other citizens of Nigeria who will come out to enforce their own rights.
“The court erred in law, when it held that although the adventists have cause of action but that right can not be enforced because the Adventists are in the minority.”
