A Rivers State Federal High Court dismissed a suit challenging President Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration and the suspension of Governor Fubara, with the plaintiffs considering an appeal.
According to a report from Saturday PUNCH, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Friday dismissed a suit filed by the civil society organisation Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration challenging President Bola Tinubu’s authority to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator.
The suit sought a declaration that the state of emergency and Fubara’s suspension were ultra vires, illegal, and contrary to Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
The case followed Tinubu’s March declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, during which he suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly, appointing Ibas to oversee state affairs.
Ruling on the suit, Justice Muhammad Turaki held that the plaintiff lacked locus standi, as Fubara was not joined as a party, describing the case as an academic exercise.
Commenting after the ruling, counsel to the plaintiff, Amegua Lezina, said: “The position the court took was simply because the present governor of Rivers State, who was then suspended, was not joined as a party. So, for that reason, the court decided not to delve into the merit of the matter. Be that as it may, we will look at the content of the judgment, consult with our client, and if need be, proceed to the Court of Appeal, since the merit of the matter was not addressed by the court.”
Separate suits filed by the organisation regarding the legality of Ibas’ appointment and the constitution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission have been adjourned to January 23, 2026, and December 5, 2025, respectively.