By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application seeking a stay of execution of a judgment delivered in favour of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, affirming that a successful party is entitled to enjoy the fruits of a valid ruling pending appeal.
The application was filed by members of the breakaway Global Methodist Church through their counsel, Luka Haruna. They sought an order to restrain enforcement of the judgment and to retain control over church properties, funds, accounts, and institutional assets nationwide while the appeal process continues.
Mr Haruna argued that failure to grant the motion could expose the church to instability, administrative confusion, and irreparable damage. He maintained that the appeal raised substantial legal and constitutional issues.
The applicants further contended that the disputed assets include trust properties and facilities spread across the country, urging the court to preserve the status quo.
However, counsel for the respondents, Chinedu Odura of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, opposed the motion, arguing that the applicants had failed to establish exceptional circumstances required for a stay of execution. He maintained there was no credible evidence that church assets were under threat or that the appeal would be rendered nugatory if the judgment were enforced.
In his ruling, Justice Obiora Egwuata held that applications for stay of execution must be supported by convincing evidence demonstrating special circumstances and a real likelihood of irreparable harm. The judge noted that speculative fears and generalised allegations were insufficient grounds for granting such relief.
He further observed that the respondents were lawfully entitled to the benefits of the delivered judgment, and that the applicants had not shown that execution would destroy the subject matter of the appeal. The court also emphasised the importance of maintaining legal order and institutional stability.
Consequently, the court dismissed the motion, allowing the judgment in favour of the United Methodist Church to remain in effect pending the appeal’s outcome.
Reacting to the ruling, the Presiding Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, Ande I Emmanuel, expressed confidence in God’s will and the rule of law, describing the court as an upholder of justice and fairness.
Bishop Emmanuel called on church members to remain calm and peaceful, despite the ruling in their favour. He stated that the church remains committed to lawful and peaceful processes in resolving the dispute.
The bishop further stressed that the church is prepared to reclaim all properties and institutional assets occupied by the breakaway Global Methodist Church in accordance with the law. He maintained, however, that the church remains open to reconciliation, urging members of the breakaway group to return to their original place of worship to promote the gospel of Christ in unity and peace.
