Two Landmark law suits have been filed against the Federal government OF Nigeria in the Federal High Court , Port Harcourt, Rivers State by a Port Harcourt based legal practitioner, Barr. Victoria N. Opara challenging the legality and constitutionality of the Nigeria Christian Commission Act, the Nigeria Pilgrims Commission and the Federal Character Commission Act
The first suit, namely suit No, FHC/PH/CS/83/2013 is against the Federal Government of Nigeria and all the Attorney Generals of the Thirty –Six States of the Federation &ors.
The said suit is challenging the legality and the constitutionality of the federal Government of Nigeria and the various states governments from using public funds meant for developmental purposes to sponsor / finance individuals and groups on religious pilgrimages
Barr. Opara also sought for a declaration by the court nullifying the establishments of the various pilgrims commission bodies established by the Federal and states Governments as same she contents is in contravention of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.
Finally, Barr Opara is praying the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the federal government and the various states government from using public funds to sponsor individuals and groups on religious pilgrimage(s).
Furthermore, the second suit filed, being suit No, FHC/PH/CS/84/2013, which is instituted against the federal government and the federal character commission challenging the legality of some of the provisions of the Federal Character Act , as same Barr OPara claims, are discriminatory and injurious to the Nigerian women and the freedom of Nigerians as enshrined and guaranteed by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.