A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit
challenging President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of emergency rule in Rivers
State, describing it as frivolous and lacking merit.
The case, filed by Belema Briggs and four others,
sought to invalidate the President’s March declaration of emergency, which
suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the
State House of Assembly.
Delivering judgment, Justice Inyang Ekwo Omotosho
ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the case. He
explained that only the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to determine
disputes of such constitutional magnitude.
The court further noted that none of the plaintiffs
were members of the state’s executive or legislature, nor did they demonstrate
any unique injury arising from the proclamation. In addition, they did not
obtain the Attorney General’s approval or the consent of Rivers
citizens before filing the suit.
Justice Omotosho upheld the President’s justification
that the emergency was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order,
citing rising political instability and attacks on vital oil infrastructure at
the time.
He dismissed arguments on alleged violations of
fundamental rights, stressing that Tinubu acted under the provisions of the Emergency
Rule Order.
The judge concluded that the case was “frivolous
and baseless”, and struck it out.
Background
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in
Rivers State in March 2025, citing political unrest and threats to critical
oil facilities. He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as
Administrator to oversee the state during the six-month period.
The emergency ended on September 17, 2025,
after the federal government reported improved political cooperation and
restored stability. Governor Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers resumed
duties the following day to cheering supporters, many of whom had staged
protests during the emergency demanding a return to democratic governance.
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