Justice James Kolawole Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a complaint filed against the Federal Government attempting to stop the conduct of elections and examinations on Saturday in Nigeria.
On Wednesday, the Judge dismissed the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Nigeria’s lawsuit as frivolous and unjustified.
The church stated that Saturday is its Sabbath day of worship, and that conducting elections and examinations on Saturdays violates its members’ fundamental rights.
The petitioner then requested that the Court issue an injunction prohibiting the Federal Government from conducting subsequent elections and examinations on the Sabbath.
In a decision, however, Justice Omotoso ruled that the church’s fundamental rights were not absolute and might be limited by government policy.
The judge also ruled that the church is a minority in Nigeria and hence cannot force its theology on the majority of the country’s religious factions.
Counsel representing the Church stated that it will appeal the decision.