Rivers Emergency Rule: Court Dismisses Suit Against Tinubu!

Rivers Emergency Rule: Court Dismisses Suit Against Tinubu!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s March 18, 2025, declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, according to court documents and legal observers.

Court Decision & Ruling

• The suit, filed by civil society groups and affected individuals, sought to contest the legality of the president’s proclamation, the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ibas (rtd.) as administrator.
• The court held that the suit lacked sufficient legal basis and raised justiciability concerns, ruling that certain reliefs sought were non‑justiciable (i.e. not proper for judicial determination).
• The dismissal effectively upholds the emergency rule and the existing arrangements under it. Legal Context & Background
• On March 18, President Tinubu declared a six‑month emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, deputy governor, and state assembly, citing severe instability and threats to law and order.
• Multiple suits were filed across Nigeria challenging the assertion of power and constitutionality of the action. Many of these cases were transferred from Port Harcourt to Abuja, following a directive via Order 49 of the Federal High Court rules. [1]
• Legal teams representing plaintiffs had argued that the president lacked constitutional authority to suspend an elected governor and impose a sole administrator without due process. [2] Implications & What to Watch
• The dismissal grants judicial breathing space to the Tinubu administration’s emergency arrangement in Rivers, though legal challenges and appeals may persist.
• Observers will watch how the Supreme Court weighs in (if appealed), especially over constitutional limits of emergency powers.
• As of September 2025, the emergency rule was lifted, and Governor Fubara and lawmakers were reinstated. [3]

Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/05/judge-transfers-all-emergency-rule-related-cases-in-rivers-to-abuja/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/05/dagogos-legal-team-opposes-transfer-of-rivers-emergency-rule-suit-to-abuja/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerias-tinubu-lifts-emergency-rule-oil-rich-rivers-state-2025-09-17/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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